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| Bosko Djurickovic, right, won 567 games and two national titles as a Division III head men's basketball coach. Some of those wins came while his son, Steve Djurickovic, played for him at Carthage. Now Steve, left, will get the opportunity to replace his father. Photo by Larry Radloff, d3photography.com |
Following a long and storied career, Carthage men's basketball head coach Bosko Djurickovic has announced his retirement, effective Aug. 1, 2020. On that date, the athletic department will elevate assistant Steve Djurickovic, who will become the program's 22nd head coach.
Bosko Djurickovic has been at the helm for 24 years, winning five conference championships and taking teams to the Sweet Sixteen, Elite Eight, and Final Four, at the Division III NCAA Tournament. Prior to his arrival in Kenosha, the program had just won one College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin title. In addition, Djurickovic won two national titles as head coach at North Park and was an assistant coach for the program's other three championships.
"This really is a bittersweet moment for me and for Carthage athletics as a whole," said interim director of athletics Kelsey Peterson. "As a young administrator, it was great having a coach around who knows the ropes and all the in's and out's of athletics at Carthage. I was able to learn a lot from Bosko in our relatively short time together."
He retires with 567 career victories as a head coach, ranking him in the top 30 for the most in NCAA Division III history.
"I've been lucky and blessed to have done what I loved for 46 years. There wasn't a day that I did not enjoy," said Bosko Djurickovic. "COVID-19 has presented challenges in all industries, and athletics and higher education are not exempt from that. While the uncertainty moving forward made this a good time, I will be helping Steve as much as he needs me to, and will be around to support the program and the college however I can. I am proud to be retiring as a Carthaginian!"
Before his first season at Carthage in 1997, Bosko Djurickovic worked at North Park for 20 years, 10 each as head and assistant men's basketball coach. While at North Park, he coached baseball for 17 seasons and was the athletic director for three years.
At North Park, Bosko Djurickovic coached five national championship teams, two as head coach and three as an assistant to Dan McCarrell. His baseball teams went to five NCAA Tournaments, taking second place in three regionals while winning 11 NCAA Tournament games.
After spending the previous six seasons as assistant coach under his father, Steve Djurickovic will lead a Carthage team that he starred on from 2007 to 2011. Graduating as the program's all-time leader in scoring with 2,547 points, he was a two-time National Association of Basketball Coaches All-American and was named an All-American by D3hoops.com all four seasons.
"I am very excited to see what Steve can do with this men's basketball program," said Peterson. "He obviously had a great tutor in his father, but I have no doubt he will put his own personal stamp on the team and lead them to success."
Steve Djurickovic holds the NCAA Division III record for free throws made (839) and free throws attempted (997), and is the only player in CCIW history to lead the conference in both scoring and assists each of his four years. He earned a master's degree from Carthage in 2018.
"The program is in fine hands," said Bosko Djurickovic. "Steve is an excellent coach and an even better communicator and relational person, with parents and athletes alike. He will be a great college coach."
Bosko Djurickovic shared his gratitude for those who helped him along the way:
"To all the players that I have had the honor to coach, here at Carthage and at North Park, basketball and baseball, you've made it all a joy. I love you guys."
"Coach McCarrell, coach, mentor, friend. You got me started 46 years ago and I should say thank you every day."
"Assistant coaches who worked a crazy amount of hours to make our teams successful. Mark Pytel, Keith McDonald, Tim Bernero, Dave Roehl, and Steve Djurickovic. Without your efforts as coaches, and as friends, the teams would have never been as good. Tim was my first full-time assistant and he and I were a team for twelve years, and he deserves a lot of credit for our great run at Carthage. Mark Pytel, still the best recruiter I know, and Keith McDonald, helped it all start moving at the beginning in 1985. Thank you."
"Athletic director Bob Bonn. Sadly, Bob passed away a short time back. At Carthage, he was a leader, a friend, and a fan. No one cared more about our success than Bob. As an AD, he was a fine boss, he gave the resources and trusted you to do your job."
"I've also worked for some excellent college presidents. Bill Hausmann hired me at North Park and he also married me and my wonderful wife, Becky. Dr. David Horner, a good friend, good arguing partner, and has a granddaughter playing volleyball at Carthage and a grandson playing basketball here as a freshman this fall. Greg Campbell, a great Carthage president and good friend. Dr. Campbell made Carthage what it is today. He was a passionate fan; the picture of him cutting down the net after our win to send us to the Final Four is one of my favorites. Greg Woodward. I enjoyed his time here at Carthage and his support. John Swallow. He's the current Carthage president who is doing an unbelievable job under these crazy circumstances. I've enjoyed our visits and will do everything I can to help in the future. Thank you, Dr. Swallow."
"My family. My parents were from Serbia and, while greatly supportive, not American sport crazies. My lovely wife, Becky, and I have been together for 35 years and have three wonderful children, Mandi, Steve, and Pete. They are truly my love. I talk with my kids every day and spend almost all of my free time with them. Becky has been a great wife, great friend, and great mom, can't do better than that."