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| Photo by Ryan Coleman, d3photography.com |
Washington University athletic director Anthony J. Azama announced the hiring of Pat Juckem as head men’s basketball coach.
Juckem replaces Mark Edwards, who retired in March after 37 seasons at his alma mater. The Bears were 22-4 this past season.
Juckem arrives in St. Louis after spending the past six seasons as the head men’s basketball coach at UW-Oshkosh. He guided the Titans to a 25-8 overall record in 2017-18, and an appearance in the NCAA Division III championship game.
"I would like to thank Director of Athletics Anthony J. Azama, Vice Chancellor Lori White and Provost Holden Thorp for the opportunity to lead the men's basketball program at Washington University,” said Juckem. “I am energized by the opportunity to work with the student-athletes at WashU and build upon the championship tradition the program has become known for. I am looking forward to representing a world class institution that cares deeply about the complete student-athlete experience.”
"Pat Juckem will make a great addition to Washington University and the men's basketball program," Edwards said. "I have known Coach Juckem for a number of years and have been impressed with him as a coach and a person. He has produced competitive teams everywhere he has been, but more importantly, he has proven he knows how to develop young men. I look forward to helping him transition to Washington University and supporting his effort to continue the excellence of WashU basketball."
Juckem compiled a 95-73 (.565) record at UW-Oshkosh, including three consecutive Division III NCAA Tournament appearances.
“I am confident Coach Juckem will continue to advance the proud WashU men’s basketball tradition of excellence,” said Azama. “In his body of work, he has showcased his commitment to building strong relationships, supporting the development of student-athletes, and engaging the campus and local community.”
Juckem led UW-Oshkosh to three consecutive top-three Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference finishes for the first time since 1966-68. The Titans played in the WIAC tournament championship game in 2015, 2016 and 2017, winning the title and the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament in 2016.
Juckem won his 200th career game in the Titans' 73-57 victory over Ramapo in the 2018 national semifinals.
He was the head men’s basketball coach at Coe from 2006-12, compiling an overall record of 105-79 (.571). Juckem led the Kohawks to the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship in both the 2006 and 2012 seasons. Juckem was also an assistant men's basketball and football coach at Lawrence from 1999-2005 and the head boys’ basketball coach at Manitowoc Roncalli High School from 1996-99.
“He embodies the principles that are the core of Washington University athletics: developing champions on and off the court,” Azama said. “His passion and enthusiasm for student-athletes’ success and development is contagious. We look forward to welcoming him and his family to the Bears athletics family.”
Juckem earned his bachelor's degree from Lawrence in 1995. He and his wife, Elissa, are the parents of Emmett and Gavin.