Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the 1999-00 Embry-Riddle Men's Basketball National Championship
 
The 2000 NAIA II National Championship was the culmination of many people's dedication and hard work, not the least of which was the staff members that tirelessly worked "behind the scenes" so that Head Coach Steve Ridder and his squad could claim the ultimate prize.
 
Coach Ridder recently sat down and penned some thoughts on his National Championship Staff.
 
Assistant Coach Rob Graham
"Coach Graham had a tremendous impact, not only on the success of the National Championship run in 2000, but on our basketball program for many many years. He was instrumental in the recruitment of several of the final pieces of that 1999-00 team, specifically Harold Pierson and Ryan Rothrock.
 
Coach Graham was a great teacher of the game, and his scouting of opponents and his relationships with and mentorships with the guys were big reasons for our success. He brought an intense "fired up" edge to his work every day. He was a fierce competitor who loved to win!
 
Simply put, Coach Graham would do whatever it took at ANY level of the job if it was going to help us become a better team and program and give us a chance to win. 
 
Of course, Coach Graham went on to be a very successful coach at Bishop Moore High School, but unfortunately his career was cut short due to his medical incident in 2005.
 
I am eternally grateful to him and his loyalty and dedication to the Eagle basketball program!"
 
Assistant Coach Steve Gawriluk
 "Coach 'G' is a very knowledgeable basketball coach who really understands the importance of fundamental execution of details. He was highly organized in his work and in particular, was a significant contributor in the scouting preparation of our opponents each game.
 
He was outstanding with skill development and earned a great deal of respect from our players. To this day, Coach 'G' is one of the humblest coaches that has ever been a part of our profession – he was a major asset!"
 
Assistant Coach Austin Brownlee
 "After completing a brilliant playing career as a four-year starting point guard and leader of a team that earned four straight trips to the national tournament, Austin joined us on the bench.
 
Austin was a crucial part of our national championship team. He had a full-time job in Career Services at ERAU at the time and volunteered his extra time in helping coach and mentor our student-athletes in the basketball program. He knew from experience what wining was all about and consistently pushed our guys to the next level of success.
 
Austin led by example, was a fierce competitor, one of the best ever, and was a valuable piece to our title team.
 
Assistant Coach Joe Cambron
"Although longtime Assistant Coach Joe Cambron was not with us during the year of the National Championship, his seven-year commitment was clearly evident on that team. He was instrumental in the overall building process and the making of the national title team. His efforts of recruiting several players on the team, teaching them how to play the right way, mentoring each one on and off the court, and demonstrating by example how to be a great teammate and playing your role were all very important contributions.
 
He was a great leader, coach, mentor and friend!"
 
Head Athletic Trainer Shari Hilscher
 "Shari was one of THE most important people to our ultimate success in 2000. She had absolutely earned the trust and respect from our guys to prevent and care for athletic injuries that occur throughout a season.
 
Shari was extremely confident in her skill set and abilities, yet was very humble at the same time. Her work with Jason Cruse following his injury early in the season was tremendous. Shari was an outstanding professional and significant part of our program."
 
Student Manager Ryan White
"Ryan was recommended by a former student assistant coach Matt Paddock and from day one,  he was the perfect fit on our team. With his organization skills and high trust abilitiy and no drama demeanor, he was crucial to our team. 
 
His relationship with the team might still be as good as it can get. He was highly respected and loved!" 
 
Student Manager Mike Mullin
"Mike had such a professional manner when performing his duties. He was very humble about his valuable contributions and the guys really respected him. Mike was extremely trustworthy and represented our program in the most positive manner."
 
Sports Information Director Alison Smalling
"Alison was very valuable to our success as a program by telling our story. She was the perfect fit for that team."
 
Voice of the Eagles John Phillips
"John is a brilliant play-by-play voice and our program was and is blessed to have him. He is one of the best in the business."