Jamy Bechler

Providing Insights on Leadership and Success. Coach Bechler is a John Maxwell Leadership Team Member.

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Dec 13 2018

Episode 106: Greg Tonagel, Indiana Wesleyan University Basketball Coach

Greg Tonagel is the head men’s basketball coach at Indiana Wesleyan University. Tonagel and the Wildcats have won three NAIA Division II National Championships in a five year spans with titles in 2014, 2016, and 2018. Since Tonagel took over the program in 2005, he has become the winningest coach in program history both in total wins and winning percentage. Prior to coming to IWU, Tonagel served as Director of Basketball Operations at Valparaiso University, where he also played for legendary Homer Drew and appeared in four NCAA Tournaments as the starting point guard. He also led his LaPorte High School team to the last single class state finals in 1997. Much of the unprecedented success of the Wildcats can be attributed to the culture Tonagel built at IWU.  The IWU culture is built around two Biblically transforming principles; I am Third and Fearless. This has helped the influence of IWU basketball to extend far beyond the court. Tonagel and his staff have been committed to using basketball as a platform for discipleship.

In today’s episode, we discuss:
  • What any coach can do to create a better culture
  • Why IWU is so good year in and year out
  • How he convinces great players (including DI transfers from IU and Kansas) to come to IWU
  • … and so much more!!!

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Resources, Books, and Links 

Indiana Wesleyan Official MBB Site: http://www.iwuwildcats.com/sport/0/6

IWUHoops Website: IWUHoops.net

IWUHoops Twitter: @iwuhoops

IWUHoops Instagram: @iwuhoops

IWUHoops Youtube: Youtube.com/user/IWUHoops

ESPN 3 Youtube: Youtube.com/channel/UCpSyjN10cnc7fKAclBEqsBw

Articles of Interest …

  • To be first, IWU thinks third
  • Culture Leads to Championships for IWU
  • Culture is a Choice

Past “Success is a Choice” podcast episodes of interest . . .

  • Chris Oliver (College Basketball Coach & Founder of Basktetballimmersion.com) – Episode 104
  • Lorenzo Brown (NBA Player and 2018 NBA G-League MVP) – Episode 096
  • Dan Wood (NCCAA Executive Director) – Episode 065
  • Travis Daugherty (Author of “The Lens” and Indiana H.S. Basketball Coach) – Episode 063
  • Todd Gongwer (Best – Selling Author of “LEAD… for God’s Sake”) – Episode 062
  • R- Jay Barsh (Southeastern University Men’s Basketball Coach) – Episode 046
  • Jason Romano (Sports Spectrum Radio) – Episode 045
  • Larry DeSimpelare (Crossroads League Commissioner) – Episode 016
  • Pat Williams (Orlando Magic Co-Founder & Sr. VP) – Episode 004
  • Dwane Casey (2018 NBA Coach of the Year) – Episode 001

Greg Tonagel in Action


This Episode is Sponsored By Audible

Today’s podcast is brought to you by audible – get a FREE audiobook download and 30-day free trial (new subscribers only) at www.audibletrial.com/SuccessIsAChoice. Over 180,000 titles to choose from for your iPhone, Android, Kindle or mp3 player.  Our friends at audible are offering a free download of some of our past guests including Todd Gongwer, Kevin Harrington, Lolly Daskal, Bob Burg, Amy Morin, Michael Burt, Larry Winget, Jon Gordon, and Pat Williams. Take advantage of this great deal by visiting www.AudibleTrial.com/SuccessIsAChoice.


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Thanks again for listening and remember that “Success is a choice. What choice will you make today?”

 

Jamy Bechler is a professional speaker and trains organizations on creating championship cultures. Bechler has worked with businesses and teams, including the NBA. He the author of The Leadership Playbook and The Bus Trip, a modern-day sports leadership fable. Bechler also hosts the Success is a Choice Podcast. He spent 20 years as an administrator and college basketball coach. To connect with him or find out how he can help your team, please contact speaking@JamyBechler.com or follow him on twitter at @CoachBechler. You can also subscribe to leadership insights by clicking here.

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Written by Jamy Bechler · Categorized: Podcast Episodes, Teams & Organizations · Tagged: Basketball, Bryce Drew, Chad Briscoe, Chris Oliver, Christian, Coaching, Culture, dwane casey, Homer Drew, Indiana, Indiana Wesleyan, Indiana Wesleyan University, IWU, jason romano, Jesus Christ, Jon Gordon, larry desimpelare, Leadership, Marion, Marion Giants, Marion High School, NAIA, Todd Gongwer, travis daugherty, Valparaiso University

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