Meeting Josh Schertz

Indiana State’s New Coach

(St. Louis, MO) – Josh Schertz is a process minded man and he has a plan for building the Indiana State basketball program. The 13-year coach of Lincoln Memorial University (Division 2) has won over 80% of his games and believes in building a program rather than building a team.

Schertz was introduced as the new head coach of the Sycamore basketball team as Director of Athletics Sherard Clinkscales called him ‘a good fit’.

“His record speaks for itself,” said Clinkscales. “He is a fit for us. We talk about a ‘fit’ for Terre Haute and a fit for Indiana State University and how important that is. He is driven, but personable and has an authenticity that everyone is drawn to.”

Schertz is still actively coaching LMU in the Division 2 national tournament and says leaving that program for this one had to be the right fit.

“I’ve had some opportunities to become a head coach at Division 1 before this and they weren’t the right fit,” shared Schertz. “The only reason that I was going to leave would have been to come to a work environment would be as committed and supportive as LMU. (I wanted) the opportunity to be really challenged and to stretch myself as a coach.”

The Credentials

During his 13-year tenure the Railsplitters won 13 conference championships, three regional championships and had five seasons of 30 or more wins. His career winning percentage is an astronomical .831 (336-68). Their home record was even better. Schertz’s teams won .921 (188-16).

ISU’s 26th head coach says leaving the Harrogate, Tennessee university was difficult, but he’s convinced Indiana State will support the basketball program in a strong manner.

“It is not hard at all to come to Indiana State,” said Schertz. “It is incredibly difficult to leave a place that we’ve been 13 years. I am very much a process driven guy I’m a day-by-day guy and I wanted to work somewhere that understood that process.”

The Style & Future

There was a major announcement that drew applause from the assembled group of boosters. People cheered at the news of the retention of assistant coach Kareem Richardson from Greg Lansing’s staff. Schertz noted he’ll need help learning the ropes in Division 1 and Missouri Valley Conference basketball.

“Kareem is going to stay on and we’re excited about that,” smiled Schertz. “We want to put together a great staff. There is going to be steep learning curve for me. I want to surround myself with people that can expedite my learning curve as it relates to Indiana state and the Missouri Valley.”

He plans on playing fast. His LMU teams played uptempo basketball, averaging over 90 points per game over their past six seasons. Schertz’s current team leads the nation in assists.

Defensively, his teams routinely led their conference in shooting percentage defense. Schertz believes defense builds team camaraderie.

“The best team building exercise is getting good at something that is really difficult,” shared Schertz. “Getting good at defense is the best ‘team-builder’ out there.”

Clinkscales mentioned that Schertz fund-raised the money for his LMU practice facility. Schertz shared that his team will be driven to improve.

“If we’ll be known for one thing, it’s a team that embraces the growth process.”

The Staff and Players

Schertz has met with the players and is busy building a staff. He knows the current players are going through a sense of loss and realizes he’ll have to earn their respect.

“I have to earn their respect,” admitted Schertz. “We’re not going to skip any steps. I’m a relationship guy. But the guys that stay will have to live by faith and not by sight.”

Schertz is realistic. He knows the ISU coaching position comes with challenges, but he believes  the program will thrive.

“I know there are challenges but there are also great opportunities. This job fits me,” said Schertz. “Hopefully I will show myself worthy of the commitment and promise to build this program over years. We want to be a group that performs and represents Indiana State University well in the class room, on the court and in the community. We want to excel in those areas.”

Schertz and ISU administrators believe this is a good fit.

Do Good