BVU Alum Contends for National Honor
Newell-Fonda Educator Named Finalist for National Coach of the Year in Girls' Basketball
Buena Vista University graduate Dick Jungers ’96 was one of eight finalists under consideration for National Girls’ Basketball Coach of the Year, an award presented during the National High School Coaches Association convention held recently in Lincoln, Neb.
While Jungers didn’t earn the top national award, he was able to present as part of a coaching clinic at the convention. He also participated in a panel discussion.
“I’ve been so blessed over the years with the student-athletes I’ve been fortunate to coach,” said Jungers, who serves as Principal for grades PK-8 in the Newell-Fonda Community School District. “I also understand how an honor like this reflects so positively upon our community.”
In 20 years as a Head Girls’ Basketball Coach at Newell-Fonda High School, Jungers’ teams have won four state championships while finishing as runner-up on five occasions. Jungers also coached the Newell-Fonda softball team to a state championship in 2008. The Iowa Basketball Coaches Association has named the Sheldon native Iowa Coach of the Year five times. He has also earned the Iowa Girls’ High School Athletic Union Golden Plaque of Distinction.
“Great coaches are often great teachers, first, and great leaders,” said Newell-Fonda Superintendent of Schools Jeff Dicks ’90. “Coach Jungers would do anything for Newell-Fonda. He is invested, raising his children here, and constantly doing everything he can to uplift our children and community. The run our girls’ basketball program is on with him as head coach has been nothing short of spectacular.”
“I have been truly blessed throughout my career. An honor like this is more reflective of our community and the way people support our school and its programs.”
Newell-Fonda Head Girls’ Basketball Coach Dick Jungers ’96
Jungers, one of three members of his family to attend BVU, discovered his passion for coaching during his undergraduate experience as a Beaver. He switched majors as a junior and entered the field of education. His first coaching experience came at Schaller-Crestland High School during his time as a student-teacher when he was able to observe and assist Head Boys’ Basketball Coach Rich Malcom. He eventually spent four seasons assisting venerable Head Boys’ Basketball Coach Paul Loos at Newell-Fonda, a time frame in which the Mustangs claimed two state championships.
Following his graduation, Jungers taught in North Mercer, Mo., for two years before earning a position as a history teacher at Newell-Fonda Middle School, a role he maintained for five years until transitioning to the high school for an additional five years. He is now entering his 14th year as Principal.
“I have a passion for coaching and seeing young people grow,” said Jungers, the father of four whose children include Trey and Kierra Jungers, and Caelin and Taiyler Schrank ’18. “I have been truly blessed throughout my career. An honor like this is more reflective of our community and the way people support our school and its programs.”