July 7, 2003

Kropp Coach of the Year

Honored for the Second Time this Summer

      Kearney, NE – Over the weekend, Nebraska-Kearney head men’s basketball coach Tom Kropp was named the Omaha World Herald’s Midlands College men’s Coach of the Year.

      Other UNK coaches to win the award include Dan Simmons (1990), Jerry Heuser (1978), Claire Boroff (1977), Al Zikmund (1964 and 1957) and Charlie Foster (1958). New head baseball coach Damon Day was one of the finalists for the award as well after leading Dana College to its first ever GPAC title this spring. 

      Earlier this summer, the Lincoln Journal Star tabbed Kropp as their State College Coach of the Year.

      Kropp was part of one of the finest seasons in school history this past winter. UNK went 30-3, won its second RMAC title and made the Elite Eight for the first time. The Lopers also set school records for wins in a season, longest win streak (23) and best start to a season (23-0). 

      In 13 years as head coach, Kropp has a record of 275-108, a 71.8 winning percentage.

      The OWH award has been handed out every year since 1952; the award was split into male and female in 1998. Hastings College women’s basketball coach Tony Hobson was the women’s Coach of the Year. Former women’s basketball coach Amy Stephens won that award in 1998.