Hanover College - Hanover, Indiana

Mike Beitzel, Head Men's Basketball Coach

Dr. Mike Beitzel has placed Hanover among the nation's small-college elite during his 19 seasons guiding the school's program. He has led the Panthers to 15 consecutive winning seasons, including a 14-11 mark in 2006-07.

Following hall-of-fame mentor John Collier, Beitzel began his tenure at Hanover in 1988. His Hanover teams have compiled a 361-169 record. He has posted a 486-264 record in 26 seasons as a collegiate head coach.

Mike Beitzel

Since joining the NCAA in 1992, Hanover has won 75 percent of its games. The Panthers have been ranked in the top 20 in the country on numerous occasions, reaching as high as second in a national poll during the 2004-05 and 2003-04 seasons.

Under Beitzel, Hanover has won six conference championships and earned five berths in the NCAA national tournament. The 1995, 1996 and 2004 teams made appearances in the NCAA tourney and advanced to the second round. The 2003 and 2005 squads advanced to the Sweet 16.

In 2003-04, he guided Hanover to a 26-2 overall record and its fourth consecutive HCAC crown and fifth overall title. His Panthers, which ranked as high as second in the nation during the season, became the first team to win 14 HCAC games in a season and the first to go unbeaten in league play since the 1994-95 campaign.

In 2002-03, he led the Panthers to a 27-2 overall record and top-15 ranking. He also earned the NABC's district honor in 1996 when the Panthers were ranked in the top 10 nationally and all-American forward David Benter was honored as the NCAA III national player of the year.

Prior to his arrival at Hanover, Beitzel served as the head coach at NCAA Division II Northern Kentucky University from 1980 to 1988. During his eight years at Northern Kentucky, he helped to establish the current tradition while guiding the Norsemen to seven consecutive winning seasons and a 125-95 record. While at Northern Kentucky, he also earned his doctorate from the Ohio State University.

Before accepting his first head coaching assignment, Beitzel served as an assistant coach at the United States Naval Academy, the University of Cincinnati (where he received his master's degree), the Ohio State University and the College of Wooster.

A 1968 graduate of the College of Wooster, Beitzel, was named the 1967-68 squad's captain and most valuable player. Before enrolling at Wooster, Beitzel was an all-state player at New Philadelphia High School (OH) in the mid-1960's.

In addition to his coaching duties, Beitzel serves as the chair of Hanover's Department of Health and Fitness. He is also on the NABC Division III Research Committee, All-American Committee and the Division III Congress.

Beitzel resides in Hanover with his wife, Luann Costigan. He has two daughters, Michelle and Emily, both of whom live in Indianapolis.

Joe Neuman, Assistant Coach

Joe Neuman

Neuman, a former standout at Hanover, helped lead the Panthers to Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference championships in 2001 and 2002. A two-time team most valuable player, he was the HCAC's most valuable player as a senior and a first-team all-league selection as a junior. He was also honored as Hanover's top male athlete as a senior.

He averaged 14.9 points and 8.0 rebounds per game during his senior season and was named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches all-Midwest District team. He was also named to the NABC team following his junior season after averaging 13.3 points and 7.0 boards per outing.

Neuman, and his wife, Jill, reside in Hanover with daughter, Berkeley (1)..