Kirkwood Head Men’s Basketball Coach Bryan Petersen surveys the action
Eagle’s head coach drops “interim” status from title
Cedar Rapids, Iowa (March 26, 2014)—After a 21-win campaign as the Interim Head Coach of the Kirkwood Eagles men’s basketball program, Bryan Petersen has now officially been promoted to head coach effective immediately. Petersen looks to build off his impressive first season at the helm of the program where he guided the Eagles to a 21-10 record.
Petersen had previously moved into the interim role following former head coach Doug Wagemester’s 15-year tenure as head of the program. Now, according to Petersen, the slight change in title doesn’t change his focus or the objectives he has for the program. For him, it’s business as usual.
“I’m excited with the opportunity that Kirkwood has given me,” said Petersen. “I’ve learned a lot this past season and I look forward to the challenges to come. However, even with the change in title, my goals won’t change. Obviously we want to win championships, but in addition to that I want to continue recruiting high character kids to come to Kirkwood. I have a strong desire to see them develop not only on the court, but as individuals as well.”
Before coming to Kirkwood, Petersen was on Fred Hoiberg’s coaching staff at Iowa State University, where he was previously a player. While there he helped recruit and develop various Cyclone players including Royce White and current AP Big 12 Player of the Year Melvin Ejim. Following his stint as a coach with his alma mater Iowa State, Petersen joined Wagemester’s staff as an assistant.
Wagemester, Kirkwood’s athletic director, couldn’t be more pleased with what Petersen has been able to accomplish in a short amount of time.
“Bryan took the reigns of the program and hit the ground running,” said Wagemester. “It’s a whole new ballgame when you step into the head coaching role. To get 21 wins in your first season is a great start. We are really looking forward to his continued success at Kirkwood.”
Petersen, originally from Clinton, Iowa, came to Kirkwood as a player from 2005-2007. He received many honors including a first-team Division II Junior College All-American nod in his sophomore season.
“Kirkwood and Cedar Rapids was such a great experience for me,” said Petersen. “That’s why I came back.”