After over a decade of exemplary leadership and dedication, Stu Engen, the Head Men’s Basketball Coach and Athletic Director at North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS), is set to embark on a new journey. Engen will be joining Idaho State University as an Assistant Coach, where he will work under Head Coach Ryan Looney in the NCAA Division I Big Sky Conference. Looney and Engen share a rich history, with Looney having previously served as Engen’s assistant at both the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and Minnesota State University Moorhead.
Engen was named the Head Men’s Basketball Coach and the Director of Athletics at North Dakota State College of Science on May 30, 2012. The Wildcats have won at least 25 games in all of Engen's seasons, including a school-record 31 wins in 2016-17 & 2023-2024.
During his tenure at NDSCS, Engen transformed the Wildcats into a basketball powerhouse, amassing a remarkable record of 323-60. Under his leadership, the Wildcats clinched seven Region XIII titles and seven Mon-Dak Conference championships. In 2016, the team made a memorable run to the NJCAA National Tournament. His achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Coach of the Year honors across various conferences and regions.
NDSCS Career Highlights:
- 2024 Mon-Dak Conference Coach of the Year
- 2024 Region XIII Coach of the Year
- 2023 Mon-Dak Conference Coach of the Year
- 2023 Region XIII Coach of the Year
- 2022 Mon-Dak Conference Coach of the Year
- 2018 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee, Upper Iowa University
- 2018 Mon-Dak Conference Coach of the Year
- 2018 Region XIII Coach of the Year
- 2017 Mon-Dak Conference Coach of the Year
- 2017 Region XIII Coach of the Year
- 2016 District 11 Coach of the Year
- 2016 Mon-Dak Conference Coach of the Year
- 2016 Region XIII Coach of the Year
- 2015 Region XIII Coach of the Year
- 2014 Region XIII Coach of the Year
- 2013 Mon-Dak Conference Coach of the Year
NDSCS President Rod Flanigan is appreciative of the impact Engen made on the entire NDSCS Athletics program, “Stu Engen's departure marks the end of a significant era for NDSCS athletics. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the college, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Wildcats. We wish Stu and his family all the best.”
Throughout his career, Engen has not only focused on team success but also on the development of individual players. Under his mentorship, eight players earned Region XIII Player of the Year honors, 10 became NJCAA All-Americans, and 10 signed with NCAA Division I programs. Engen's influence extends beyond NDSCS, with former assistants now leading collegiate programs and former players pursuing professional careers.
The search to replace Engen’s dual roles will begin immediately. We will release more information about the search details when they become available.