William Jessup hires Lance Von Vogt

Rocklin, Calif. - William Jessup University Director of Athletics Mitch Pleis has announced Lance Von Vogt as the Warrior’s new head men’s basketball coach.

Von Vogt brings a wealth of knowledge from all levels of college basketball including six years as a successful head coach with an overall record of 108-57 to William Jessup University.

"I am humbled and honored to be selected as men's basketball coach at William Jessup University at such an amazing time of growth within the school and athletics,” stated Coach Von Vogt. “The move to the GSAC in 2014 partnering with the current unprecedented growth of the University places WJU as one of the most desirable Christ centered higher education institutions in the country. I am grateful for President Dr. John Jackson, Chief Development Officer Eric Hogue, Director of Athletics Mitch Pleis and Associate Athletic Director Farnum Smith as well as the entire hiring committee for their thoroughness of the search and extending me this opportunity."

The Daytona Beach Shores, Florida native comes to the Warriors after three highly successful seasons as the head men basketball coach and assistant athletic director at Peninsula College in Port Angeles, Washington. The Pirates have posted a 65-25 overall record, while going 34-12 in the North Division of the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges (NWAACC) over the last three years.

In his first season at the helm of the Pirates, Von Vogt led Peninsula College to their first NWAACC Championship in forty-one years.  Von Vogt was honored as the NWAACC Coach of the Year as the Pirates went 22-7.  Heading into his second year, the Pirates started out the year ranked #1 in the NWAACC and earned their first national ranking in school history.  The Pirates finished 25-6 overall and 13-3 in conference before falling in the final four of the NWAACC tournament.  Last season, the Pirates finished the season 18-12.  In three seasons, Von Vogt has coached one NWAACC MVP, four All-NWAACC, six All-North Division and five All-Academic players. In addition to coaching, he served as the athletic development coordinator for the Pirate Athletic Association.

Prior to his arrival at Peninsula, Von Vogt spent the previous four seasons as the lead assistant men's basketball coach and recruiting coordinator at Arizona Western College in Yuma, Arizona.  During his time at AWC, he helped guide the Matadors to three Arizona Community College Athletic Conference championships and two NJCAA Region XVIII championships as they went 103-24 over Von Vogt’s four-year tenure.  Von Vogt recruited and developed four All-Americans, seven All-Region and ten All-Conference players.

Before arriving at AWC in 2006, he was the assisted at Eastern Kentucky University where the Division I Colonels placed fourth in the Ohio Valley Conference. Prior to that, he was the head coach at Oxford College of Emory University, where he led the Eagles to a pair of playoff appearances. His three years are the three most successful seasons in the history of the program earning two playoff appearances which were the first in the program’s history. In his third season, Oxford College of Emory University recorded a school-record 22 wins, regional and inter-regional championships and a spot in the NJCAA Top 10, which earned Von Vogt the 2004-05 Region Coach of the Year honors.

Von Vogt's first coaching experience came under the legendary coach Lefty Driesell. Von Vogt served as the director of basketball operations at Georgia State under Driesell from 2000 through 2002. During that time, the Panthers earned a trip to the 2001 NCAA Tournament and advanced to the second round with a win over Wisconsin. Georgia State followed with it’s first-ever trip to the NIT in 2002. Von Vogt also worked as a graduate assistant for Georgia Tech for two seasons.

Von Vogt earned a Master’s Degree in Sports Administration from Georgia State and a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communications from the University of South Florida.

New Director of Athletics Mitch Pleis stated: “William Jessup is very fortunate to have Lance and his family joining our University.  Lance brings an enthusiasm and commitment that will enhance our basketball program for many years to come.”

Chief Development Officer Eric Hogue stated: "We were prayerfully determined to hire the right coach for the future of our men's basketball program. I believe our student body, faculty, donors, alumni, the community and our beloved 'Warrior fans' will come to appreciate the intentional leadership and basketball expertise of Lance Von Vogt. The future is very bright."

Coach Von Vogt is excited to already be laying groundwork for Warriors upcoming season.

"I've already spoke to most of the returning players and they are hungry and committed to making our 2013-14 season one to remember,” stated Von Vogt. “We have high expectations for next season and we can't wait to get to work while giving all the glory to God."

The Warriors won the 2013 California Pacific Conference Championship.  Von Vogt will lead the way for the Warriors move to the Golden State Athletic Conference in 2014-15.

About William Jessup University

Founded in 1939 by William Jessup, the University moved to Rocklin, California, in August 2004.  WJU is the first and only WASC accredited private four-year university to have its main campus located in the greater Sacramento area, offering degrees in many different disciplines, including Biology, Business Administration, Family & Children’s Ministry, English, History, Intercultural Studies, Creative Arts, Education, Math, Music, Pastoral Ministry, Psychology, Public Policy and Youth Ministry. WJU also offers a School of Professional Studies (SPS) at its campuses in Rocklin and San Jose. Program concentrations include Business Administration, Christian Leadership, Counseling Psychology, Organizational Leadership, and a Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Credential Program. For more information, please visit www.jessup.edu or call (916) 577-2200.

God Bless,

Jeff Bussell
Sports Information Director
Interim Head Men's Basketball Coach
2013 California Pacific Conference Champions