Northeastern State's Randy Gipson

has been the architect behind

10 consecutive winning seasons

and four NCAA Tournaments.

The five-time Lone Star Conference North Division Coach of the Year (2000, 2003, 2004, 2005 & 2008) has also directed Northeastern State's RiverHawks to five LSC Tournament appearances, an LSC Tournament title and a Sweet 16 Finish 2004.

To some, the feat may not sound that impressive, but considering the fact that Gipson inherited a program in 1999 that had forged just one winning campaign in nine years, this stretch of success is astounding. In 2004 NSU posted a 25-8 record and were a win away from the Elite 8. NSU's 25 wins also established a new school record.

Gipson's record at Northeastern State stands at 181-102 (.639 pct.) entering the 2009-2010 season and over the course of his coaching tenure of 20 years, he has a sterling 471-179 (.724 pct.) mark.

His basketball philosophy is built around the "team" and not in just one or two players. That style has paid dividends for NSU in a short period of time. "We set out with the idea to build a basketball program, not just have a great team," said Gipson. "That involves bringing in student-athletes with good character who are not just good basketball players. They are asked to play hard and represent the university in a positive manner. We have been able to accomplish that since I became the head coach."

The RiverHawks mentor also stresses fundamentals and scrappy "in-your-face" defense. That has helped NSU become a leader in NCAA Division II in many of the major defensive categories.

As Gipson enters his 11th season, the bar has been raised. The expectations for NSU women's basketball have changed from just being a contender in the always-tough Lone Star Conference to being a perennial power on the regional and national stages.

Gipson's path to NSU was forged through a highly successful stint at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M (NEO) Junior College where he coached the Lady Norse to a record of 290-75 over 11 years. Gipson was a three-time Region II Coach of the Year. While at NEO, Gipson led the Lady Norse to a National Runner-up finish in 1999.

Before taking over the reins at NEO, Gipson served as an assistant coach for the men's program under his brother and current Redmen head coach Larry Gipson. The two Gipson's are the only brothers to coach the same sports of different genders in all of America.

A native of Marion, Ohio, Gipson received his bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky where he also played baseball. He completed his master's degree in secondary school counseling from Pittsburg (Kansas) State University in 1985.

Gipson also teaches psychology at NSU and prides himself the graduation rates of his student-athletes. He and his wife, Pam, have one daughter, Carly.

Matt Cole enters 7th season

 

as Northeastern State University's

 

assistant basketball coach

           

     The Westville, Oklahoma, native is no stranger to the RiverHawks basketball program. While obtaining his undergraduate degree from NSU, Cole worked as a student assistant coach for three seasons, including on year with head coach Randy Gipson.

     After earning his degree in health and kinesiology in 1999, Cole accepted the position of assistant women's basketball coach at Cowley County (KS) Community College.

     Following a three-year stint at Cowley, Cole decided to return to NSU to work on his master's degree and earned it in 2006.  Cole has helped Northeastern State to three Lone Star Conference Tournament appearances and two NCAA Tournaments.

     "Matt Cole was with me my first year and I knew then that he was a special person," said Randy Gipson. "He was selfless in his attitude to do whatever he could to assist the players, other coaches and me.  He brings with him several  years of coaching experience where he was heavily involved in recruiting.  He made a lot of contacts within the junior college ranks locally and nationally  helps us."

     " Matt's love for NSU has made him a great addition to our program."

     In addition to floor coaching duties, Cole also handles scouting and recruiting.

     Cole and his wife, Lolly reside in Tahlequah and have one son Cael.