Wichita State University’s Shockers Basketball Team Gaining Momentum
Published Aug 17, 2009
It’s safe to say that Mark Turgeon has found a home at Wichita State University.
He agreed to a long-term contract extension that will keep him as the men’s basketball coach at Wichita State through at least 2016.
That agreement came early in 2006‚ after Turgeon had put the Shockers in the national spotlight with a Sweet Sixteen appearance at the NCAA Tournament.
The 2005-06 season was one of the best in Shockers basket ball history‚ with the team posting a 26-9 record‚ winning its first Missouri Valley Conference regular-season title in 23 years and making its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1988.
But even before the accolades of 2005-06‚ Turgeon had become like family at Wichita State.
“I feel comfortable here‚” says Turgeon‚ who is entering his sixth season as Shockers coach. “We have a chance to be successful year in and year out. We have a tremendous administration and a great fan base. People are willing to support Shocker basketball.”
Indeed. Ticket sales for the upcoming season have been brisk‚ according to Turgeon.
“We’ve been building a little bit every year‚” says Turgeon‚ a native of Topeka who played and later served as assis tant coach for University of Kansas basketball.
“There are a lot more Shockers walking around town than there used to be‚” Turgeon adds‚ “and more young kids enjoying Shocker basketball. That’s been exciting.”
Story by John McBryde
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