Ryan Cottingham enters his 12^th year as the head basketball coach at Spring Arbor University. Last year Cottingham guided the Cougars to a 23-11 record and a spot in the sweet sixteen of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) national tournament. It was Spring Arbor's first trip to the NAIA tourney since 1997. SAU has won at least 20 games in five of the last six

Upon the completion of their outstanding season Cottingham was recognized as the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan (BCAM) Men's Basketball Coach of the Year. He was also named the Mid-Central College Conference (MCC) Coach of the Year.

"I'm honored and humbled" commented Cottingham regarding the recognitions. "There are so many outstanding coaches in the state and in our league. I'm very fortunate to have good assistant coaches and a group of committed young men that work hard every day. I just try to have our team well prepared and then stay out of the way."

The first round victory in the NAIA national tournament was win number 200 for Cottingham and it came against legendary coach Rollie Massimino and his Northwood University (FL) Seahawks. Massimino is best known for guiding the Villanova Wildcats to the 1985 NCAA Division I national championship over the Georgetown Hoyas. Cottingham currently ranks second on the all-time wins list behind Hall of Fame coach Bill Bockwitz who garnered 262 victories in his illustrious career.

Spring Arbor has gained national attention over the past six years where in addition to the NAIA tournament appearance they claimed back-to-back National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) National Championships in 2005 and 2006.

However, the success of SAU basketball teams goes beyond the court. Cottingham's teams perform at a high level in the classroom and in the community and a major reason is the emphasis placed on character development. This past year the basketball team had a combined grade point average of 3.38.

With 11 years under his belt Cottingham has the second longest stint as men's basketball coach in school history. Only the legendary Hall of Fame Coach Bill Bockwitz has roamed the sidelines for a longer period of time (18 years).

Cottingham, 38, began his coaching career as an assistant at Alma College (MI) in 1995 and served in that capacity for three seasons. He was then hired as an assistant by Spring Arbor in the fall of 1998. In 1999 Cottingham was appointed the eighth coach in Cougar basketball history replacing Doug Noll.

Coach Cottingham begins his fifth year as assistant athletic director at Spring Arbor. From 2007-10 he served as the NCCAA national basketball chair and will serve a three year term. From 2005-07 Cottingham was the national vice chair.

Cottingham received his bachelor's degree in secondary education from SAU in 1994. He went on to earn his master's degree in athletic administration from Central Michigan University in 2000.

As a collegiate athlete Cottingham played guard for SAU from 1992-94, and was voted the team's MVP as a senior. He was also a NAIA All-America Honorable Mention selection that year as well as an NCCAA All-American. Cottingham was a two-year all-conference member while scoring 1,028 points in just two seasons. Prior to his arrival at Spring Arbor Cottingham had two successful years at Kalamazoo Valley Community College where he was an all-conference selection.

A native of Three Rivers, Mich., Cottingham was a three sport standout in football, basketball, and track. He was an all-state basketball player and led his team to a 63-8 record including a 24-2 mark his senior year and a trip to the Class B state semi-final game. A three year first team all-conference and all-area selection Cottingham scored over 1,000 points in his prep career. He was inducted into the Three Rivers High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 1997.

Cottingham was born on February 14, 1972. His family includes his wife of 15 years, Christy, twelve-year-old son, Connor, ten-year-old daughter, Ryleigh, and eight-year-old son, Trey. Christy is currently a teacher in the Jackson County Western School District.