• Tungate was part of the coaching staff of the first
Oakland University team ever to make the NCAA Tournament (2004-2005
season).
• From 1999-2004, Tungate was the head coach at Lincoln
Memorial University. In 2002-2003, his team finished ninth in the
nation (NCAA Division II) in field goal percentage defense.
• Tungate, an honorable mention honoree in College
Insider.com's Top 25 Mid-Major Assistants, has molded Oakland's big
men into one of the more intimidating front lines in The Summit
League.
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NCDS: Jeff Tungate, Assoc. Head Coach - Oakland ("Senior Leadership")
By: Jeff Tungate, Assoc. Head Coach - Oakland
As we get ready for the stretch run, this is the time of year when practices can get boring, teams can lose focus, and fatigue can become a major factor if you are not taking care of yourself properly by eating right, getting plenty of fluids, and getting rest. Traditionally under Coach Greg Kampe, Oakland University has been an outstanding basketball team in the month of February. We need for that tradition to continue if we are going to win a conference championship.
In Coach Kampe's 26 years as head coach, our seniors have always seemed to play extremely well down the stretch. They have realized that this is it at Oakland University. They have approached every practice like it's their last (because it almost is), every game like they won't have the opportunity to wear an Oakland uniform again (because soon they won't), and have sacrificed greatly to finish their careers strong. This year is no different. Our two seniors Derick Nelson and Johnathon Jones will keep the senior tradition of finishing strong alive. However, two players cannot represent Oakland University in the NCAA tournament. We need the entire team. Derick and Johnathon having great months to finish their careers will not win us a conference championship. Our success lies directly in their ability to convince their teammates to play and practice like they are all seniors. If Derick and Johnathon can lead their 12 teammates to that sense of urgency, good things are in store for the Golden Grizzlies.
Currently, we are 10-1 in the conference. Derick and Johnathon have done a great job of leading the team so far. We expect that leadership to continue in the month of February. If two people can lead their teammates with a sense of urgency, it's Derick and Johnathon. It's a good feeling as a coach to put your team's success in their hands.
February is a fun time. March Madness is right around the corner. Enjoy the conference races down the stretch and Go Grizzlies!
