Ted Van Dellen, who owns the fifth-most coaching victories in Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) history, announced Thursday (March 29) his retirement as the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh head men’s basketball coach.
Van Dellen guided the Titans to 358 wins and five National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) postseason appearances. The only WIAC coaches to compile more victories are UW-Eau Claire’s Ken Anderson (631), UW-Whitewater’s Dave Vander Meulen (440), UW-Eau Claire’s Bill Zorn (397) and UW-Stout’s Dwain Mintz (385). Robert Kolf lists second in UW-Oshkosh history with 243 wins.
“I truly have been blessed to be given the opportunity to work with so many quality young men during my 22 years at UW Oshkosh,” Van Dellen said. “It’s every coach’s hope that they in some way touch the lives of their players, but the really unique aspect of coaching is how these young men have touched my life.”
Van Dellen’s career winning percentage of .614 (358-225 record) includes 17 winning seasons in 22 years. He also coached the only three NCAA Division III All-Americans in school history with Tim Dworak (2002-03), D.J. Marsh (2009) and Dennis Ruedinger (1996).
“Coach Van Dellen has made a lasting impact on me as a player, coach and human being,” said Ruedinger. “He taught me that striving for excellence and working hard to attain your goals isn’t only applicable on the basketball court. These qualities should become a standard for how you achieve success in life. I’m grateful for the opportunity I had to play for such and outstanding coach during my career at UW Oshkosh.”
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