Walthall named head men's basketball coach at Loras
DUBUQUE, Iowa -- Chad Walthall of Staples was hired Tuesday as head coach of the men's basketball team at Loras College.
Walthall replaces John Lembezeder, who resigned in February to pursue a career opportunity in the private sector.
"Chad is one of the bright, young, up-and-coming basketball coaches, and I am absolutely thrilled that he is joining us," said Greg Capell, Loras College director of athletics. "He has a wide variety of experience, having coached at Divisions I, II and III in addition to high school. He is also an outstanding recruiter. I'm looking forward to having him direct our men's basketball program for a long time.
"Chad's contribution to Loras will extend well beyond basketball. He will be our men's golf coach and will also be an instructor in our physical education department. He is an excellent teacher, whether it be on the court, on the course or in the classroom."
Walthall spent the past two seasons as an assistant at Eastern Michigan University. As the team's top assistant last year, specializing in defensive aspects of the game, the Eagles led the Mid-American Conference in defensive field goal percentage. He was also EMU's recruiting coordinator as the team improved from 5-20 (in 1998-99) to 15-13 by his second season.
From 1994-1998, Walthall was the associate head coach for St. Olaf College in Northfield. He also served as a graduate assistant coach at NCAA II St. Cloud State University from 1991-1993.
Walthall, who was a four-year letterman and two-time all-conference quarterback at Concordia College in Moorhead, worked as a student assistant coach in the Cobbers' men's basketball program for two seasons. He has worked at numerous camps and clinics, including those affiliated with Bill Frieder (Arizona State), Dale Brown (LSU) and UCLA.
Walthall was the head coach at Redwood Valley (Minn.) High School for one season (1993-94) and coached an all-star team that toured Frankfurt, Germany (August 1992).
Walthall was a standout player at Staples High School, graduating in 1987. He helped the school's basketball team to three straight conference titles from 1984-87 as a point guard. He earned all-conference honors three times and all-state once. In 1986 his team was the state runner-up. He was also an outstanding football and baseball player at Staples.
Walthall earned his master's degree in athletic administration from St. Cloud State (1993) and his bachelor's degree in physical education (with a health minor) from Concordia (1991).