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Randolph-Macon men’s basketball coach Merkel named D3 National Coach of the Year
Logo: Randolph-Macon Athletics, Photo: Mike Cianciolo

Randolph-Macon men’s basketball coach Merkel named D3 National Coach of the Year

ASHLAND, Va. (BVM) — Randolph-Macon College men’s basketball coach Josh Merkel has been good at his job for quite some time now. During six seasons as head coach of the Yellow Jackets, Merkel has led the team to a 114-37 record including a 67-6 record over the past three seasons. However, this year may have been his best work and Merkel was recently recognized for it.

After leading the Yellow Jackets to an unbeaten 12-0 campaign this year, Merkel was named the recipient of the 2021 Glenn Robinson National Coach of the Year Award on March 31. The award is given to the top Division III head coach each year.

Merkel was honored to earn the award, but felt he shouldn’t be the only one recognized for the achievement.

“I am humbled by this honor,” Merkel said in a college press release, “but the recognition should be directed towards our players and coaching staff. This award also reflects the tradition of excellence built by the commitment of past coaches and players. Associate head coach Dave Matturro as well as assistant coaches Brett Barron and Shawn Boggs have been valuable contributors to our recent success. I share this award with them.”

This past season, the Yellow Jackets dominated en route to their second straight ODAC title after handling Bridgewater, Roanoke and Lynchburg in the ODAC championship tournament. The team also played No. 2-ranked Trine in the final matchup of two unbeatens and beat the Thunder 69-55.

With the award in hand, Merkel can now be recognized as one of the best coaches in his level of the sport. After six years with the Yellow Jackets, the honor has been more than earned and Yellow Jackets fans hope for more years with Merkel and his success.