Monday, October 12

Tom Izzo
Head Basketball Coach, Michigan State University

As Coach Tom Izzo enters his 15th year directing the Spartan basketball program, expectations for another winning season run high. His career record stands at 336-137. His teams have won the 2000 NCAA National Championship, five regular-season Big Ten Championships, two Big Ten tournament titles, made five Final Four appearances in 11 seasons and he has personally earned four national coach-of-the-year awards.

The 2008-2009 season was one of the best in Michigan State University’s history. During the regular season, the Spartans won the Big Ten Championship with a 15-3 league record, including a school-best 8-1 mark on the road. The team won the league title by four games, equaling the second-greatest margin in conference history. The overall season ended at 37-7, the third highest win total in school history. For his accomplishments, Izzo was named Big Ten Coach of the Year.

But Izzo is equally proud of his record off the court. Of his players who completed their eligibility, 86 percent have also left the university with a degree. Six of his Spartans (Charlie Bell, Mateen Cleaves, Paul Davis, Drew Neitzel, Morris Peterson and Jason Richardson) have earned some form of All-America honors. Eighteen different players have earned all-conference recognition.

A native of Iron Mountain, Mich., Izzo attended high school with former NFL head coach Steve Mariucci. They roomed together at Northern Michigan University where both earned Division II All-America honors in their respective sports (Izzo in basketball/Mariucci in football). In spite of busy schedules, they remain the closest of friends.

Izzo has proven on and off the court that he has what it takes to build a win-focused team. We are pleased that he will share his insights with Southwestern Michigan.

Location

Mendel Center, Lake Michigan College
2755 East Napier, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Google Maps

Dinner ticket reservations will open September 25 and close October 7. Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please make your reservations as soon as possible.

Upton Hall Members

Doors open 5 p.m. (Michigan time)
Dinner 6:15 p.m.
Speaker introductions 7:20 p.m.

Mainstage Auditorium Members

Doors open 6 p.m. (Michigan time) for social hour
Speaker introductions 6:55 p.m.