Holquist Steps Down As UMD Mens Basketball Coach

Mar 26, 2012

Northland Sports Online

Gary Holquist, the University of Minnesota Duluth head men’s basketball coach for the past 14 years, has stepped down from that position to become the new director of development for UMD athletics.

In 14 seasons at the head coaching helm, Holquist amassed a 206-197 overall record and earned a pair of NCAA Division II playoff berths (2001-02 and 2002-03), captured one Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference regular season title (2001-02) and two NSIC tournament championships (2001-02 and 2002-03). He also produced two All-Americans, three NSIC Most Valuable Players, seven all-region selections and 19 NSIC/North Central Conference All-Conference honorees.

As an assistant coach under Dale Race from 1986-1998, Holquist helped the Bulldogs to six national tournament appearances and worked with four All-Americans, two Academic All-Americans, six NSIC Most Valuable Players and 15 All-NSIC selections.

“The timing is right for me to make the move into administration, in which I personally view this position as the most important and needed departmental hire over the past decade,” said Holquist, 54. “My intimate knowledge of the athletic department, institution, and community, which includes all of our athletic alumni, boosters, and donors, will assist in the immediate formation of the type of relationships that our department is seeking.”

A native of Marinette, Wis, Holquist obtained his Doctor of Education in November 2011 from the University of Minnesota. He graduated from Milton College in 1979 with cum laude honors and a Bachelor of Arts in literature and communications before earning a Master’s of science in teaching from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 1983.

“We are excited to have Gary in this new role,” said UMD Athletic Director Bob Nielson. “The development of a strong base of fundraising support is critical to the future of our athletic programs. Though we will miss his leadership within our basketball program, this will allow Gary to have a significant impact on the future of UMD athletics.”

“Thank you to all of the athletic alumni, boosters, donors, and friends of the program for continued support of myself, the basketball team, athletic department and institution,” said Holquist, who coached or played in 1,098 games during his 37 years of collegiate basketball.

UMD will begin a nationwide search for Holquist’s successor immediately.

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