Santa Fe College Welcomes John Ritzdorf as New Men's Basketball Head Coach
May 13, 2024
Santa Fe College Athletics is excited to introduce John Ritzdorf as the new Men's Basketball Head Coach. Ritzdorf steps into this role following the retirement of long-serving Head Coach Chris Mowry, who dedicated 21 years to SF and earned five conference Coach of the Year awards during his tenure.
Expressing his gratitude and enthusiasm for the opportunity, Ritzdorf said, "I am thrilled to join the Santa Fe community as head coach. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Naima Brown, Athletic Director Chanda Stebbins and the entire search committee. I am eager to take on the challenge of continuing the successful legacy established by Coach Mowry over the past two decades. My family and I are looking forward to immersing ourselves in Gainesville and becoming integral members of the Saints community."
Ritzdorf brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having recently completed his fifth season as the men's basketball head coach at Central Community College (CCC). During his tenure at CCC, Ritzdorf garnered recognition as a three-time Region 9 Coach of the Year. Under his leadership, the Raiders achieved significant milestones, including their first appearance in the NJCAA Division II National Tournament in nine years. Ritzdorf's coaching prowess also contributed to CCC boasting the highest winning percentage of any two-year collegiate program in Nebraska. Additionally, his outstanding performance led to his selection for the 2020 National Association of Basketball Coaches Under Armour 30-Under-30 Team, which honors thirty of the most exceptional men's college basketball coaches under the age of thirty.
"John is a proven winner, and I am excited to see him take over Santa Fe Men's Basketball," SF Athletics Director Stebbins said. "He creates great relationships with players, recruits hard, connects well with community and campus stakeholders, and I look forward to seeing how his investment in our young men pays off for each of them as well as SF Athletics."
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