Release courtesy of the Saginaw Valley State University Athletic Media Relations Department
University Center, Mich. – Saginaw Valley State University director of athletics Mike Watson announced Thursday (May 17) the hiring of Randy Baruth as the eighth head coach in the 42-year history of the Saginaw Valley State University men's basketball program. The South Dakota native joins the SVSU family after spending the past season as the Director of Player Development at the University of Utah.
"Randy is an exceptional coach that will help elevate our men's basketball program to new heights," said Watson. "Randy has been successful at every institution and has helped build numerous teams that compete for championships. He is a dedicated recruiter who will accomplish great things at Saginaw Valley. We are extremely happy that Randy and his family chose to join Saginaw Valley State University Athletics."
"I can't tell you how excited and humbled I am to be the next men's basketball coach at SVSU," stated Baruth. "I want to thank President Gilbertson, Jim Muladore and most of all Mike Watson and the search committee for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to be a part of the SVSU Family."
Throughout his 10 seasons in college basketball, Baruth has been a part of success at numerous collegiate levels. Baruth has spent the last season at the University of Utah as the Director of Player Development under head coach, and former NBA player and coach, Larry Krystkowiak. Before his stint with the Utes, he was the Director of Basketball Operations at Colorado State University under then head coach Tim Miles. Baruth is very familiar with NCAA Division II basketball, spending 7 years as an assistant at Northern State University and North Dakota State University.
"Coach Baruth is a relentless worker with a good basketball mind. He is very organized and detail oriented. We wish him well as he takes on this new challenge," stated Utah Head Coach Larry Krystkowiak.
While at Northern State University (Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference), he was the top assistant to then head coach Don Meyer. Meyer is ranked 2nd all-time in victories in men's college basketball history with 923 career wins. While at Northern State University, the Wolves had 4 NCAA Division II tournament appearances in 5 years. Two of the 4 appearances resulted in Sweet Sixteen losses to the ultimate National Champion, Winona State University. The 2007-08 team earned a No. 4 national ranking while the 2008-09 team earned a No. 10 national ranking.
"Coach Baruth will bring the total package to Saginaw Valley State University. He is one of the best teachers I have worked with and has a tireless work ethic," stated former Northern State University Head Coach Don Meyer. "His ability to recruit players that can play and fit the mold of SVSU and the community along with the ability to mold them into a team will ensure success. I wish him the best and know that he will give his best to the building of a championship program."
During his tenure at North Dakota State University, Baruth was the recruiting coordinator for the men's basketball program. The 2006 recruiting class went on to make the Bison's first NCAA Division I tournament appearance in school history. Members of the 2006 class that Baruth recruited included: Wisconsin Mr. Basketball and North Dakota State University 7th all-time leading scorer, Michael Nelson; Minnesota Class 3A Player of the Year and North Dakota State University's all-time leading scorer, Ben Woodside; Minnesota 1st Team All-State, Brett Winkleman; and North Dakota Mr. Basketball, Lucas Moorman.
"Randy is an excellent coach and a tireless worker. He was great for us at North Dakota State, helping to recruit players that made the schools first NCAA Tournament in 2009. He was great for us at Colorado State, helping to build a program that made the NCAA Tournament in 2012. He will work to make sure SVSU is built to last and built for success in all areas," stated Tim Miles, newly hired head coach at Nebraska.
A native of Alpena, South Dakota, Baruth was a 1996 South Dakota Mr. Basketball Finalist. He went on to play at Mount Marty College (1996-1997) and Dakota Wesleyan University (1997-2000) while earning his Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. Baruth earned his Master's Degree in Educational Leadership at North Dakota State University. Randy and his wife Meghan have been married for six years.