WILLMAR -- Bob Knutson, who coached one of the most exciting high school boys basketball games ever played in the area, has been named the new men's basketball coach at Ridgewater College, it was announced Wednesday.
Knutson was the head boys' basketball coach from 1989-2001 at New London-Spicer. He guided teams to the state tournament three straight years from 1994-96. The Wildcats, rated No. 1 in Class A (when there were only two classes), hosted Class AA top-rated Minneapolis North and Khalid El-Amin to a packed gymnasium on Feb. 10, 1996. The Wildcats emerged with an 84-81 victory. They were unable to capture a state title, however, when the state went to a Sweet Sixteen format pitting both classes into one tournament.
Knutson compiled a 193-126 career mark at New London-Spicer, including five 20-win seasons.
"We are very fortunate to have a person of Bob's basketball knowledge and coaching experience join our staff," said Ridgewater athletic director John Vraa. "I know he has a passion for college basketball and will hit the ground running with his numerous contacts in west central, and really the state of Minnesota basketball."
Knutson, a middle school/-high school physical education instructor at NLS, applied for job a few years ago and has always had a strong desire to return to the coaching ranks after his coaching days at NLS were through.
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"Every time I go into the gym, I miss it," he said. "I still follow the state tournaments closely on TV and that made me miss being involved, too. Most of the years I've coached have been very rewarding."
Knutson replaces Shawn Kopischke, whose position was not renewed after one season. Ridgewater was 10-14 last season.
Knutson plans to start the recruiting process immediately.
