Zollinger Out as Seward Coach

Seward County Community College will see significant changes in its men’s basketball program in 2017-18, following the departure of head coach Bryan Zollinger and assistant coach Patrick Nee this week.

Seward finished its men’s basketball season 9-22 in March, its worst year since 1977, with a loss to Barton County Community College. Despite the difficult season on the court, said SCCC President Dr. Ken Trzaska, Zollinger’s overall record in his 10-year stint at the helm of Saints basketball reflects more success than failure.

“We appreciate what Coach Z has done to build the program and launch so many successful players during his time at Seward,” said Trzaska. “Making changes is never easy, and we wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

Zollinger, a product of Johnson City, Kansas, is an SCCC alum who played on the Saints’ team that made it to the first-ever national appearance at the JNCAA National Tournament. He completed his collegiate playing career at Grandview College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree.

Under his tenure at SCCC, the Saints made Jayhawk Conference history, becoming the first team to win four straight conference championships in 2013-14. Other highlight include coaching five NJCAA All-Americans, and two Jayhawk West Conference Most Valuable players.

Patrick Nee served four years as assistant coach, coming from Independence Community College in 2013.

The SCCC Board of Trustees will open its search for head and assistant coaches for the men’s basketball program immediately.