By Scott Miller, Central Community College Public Relations & Marketing Director

Columbus, Neb. - Central Community College athletics is pleased to announce the appointment of John Ritzdorf as men's basketball coach.

"We're very excited for Coach Ritzdorf. His goal was to become a college head coach and this is an excellent opportunity for him," said Loper head coach Kevin Lofton. "We thank John for his work at UNK and wish him the best moving forward."

Ritzdorf joined the UNK men's basketball staff in the summer of 2016 and served as one of the program's assistant coaches. The Lopers won 46 games over the past three seasons, recording the 20th 20-win season in program history during the 2016-17 campaign. UNK is also one of just three schools to have defeated Northwest Missouri State over the last three years, picking up a 66-59 victory over the Bearcats in January 2018 at the Health & Sports Center. Finally, he helped coach nine All-MIAA players including 2,000-point scorer Trey Lansman and 1,300-point scorer Ty Danielson. 

"I am incredibly excited and honored to be the next head coach of men's basketball at CCC," said Ritzdorf. "I was born and raised in Nebraska and to have the opportunity to lead a program in my home state is really special to me. I appreciate athletic director Mary Young and President Fuchser for believing in my vision for Raiders basketball and I can't wait to get started."

The Raiders are coming off a 10-17 season with sophomore forward Latrell Talley earning third-team 
National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-American honors. Ritzdorf replaces Jerry Drymon who had led the Raiders for the past five years.  

Prior to UNK, Ritzdorf served on men's basketball staffs at South Dakota-based Northern State University and the University of Nebraska-Omaha, where he earned a degree in education. Ritzdorf also served as an assistant boys basketball coach at Ralston High School and simultaneously coached at the AAU-affiliated Omaha Sports Academy.

"John is a tremendous addition to the CCC men's basketball coaching staff," said Young. "His great experience at UNO, UNK and Northern State will bring great energy into our athletic program. We are excited to add Coach Ritzdorf to the Raider family."

A native of York, Ritzdorf is married to the former Dana Grenfell. He will begin his duties at the Columbus Campus on June 10.