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University of Nebraska - Kearney Athletics

Coach Runco

Mitch Runco

Mitch Runco serves as Head Assistant Coach for the Nebraska-Kearney men's basketball program and began his duties in July 2024. 

The Kansas graduate Runco most recently was the head boys' basketball coach at Omaha Westview High School (2022-24). Previously, he was head boys' basketball coach and Athletic Director at St. Bernard High School (2012-20) in Playa Del Rey, Calif. 

"Having Coach Runco join our program is as important as any recruit. Mitch has a positive and natural energy to him that gives every program he is a part of a big boost. I have personally watched Mitch build successful High School programs at St Bernard's and Westview. He sincerely likes and cares about his players and builds quality relationships with them that last well beyond their basketball career," said Loper head coach Marty Levinson.Coach Runco

The first head basketball coach in Westview history, Runco has also been greatly involved with the adidas grassroots 3SSB club circuit. He was director of basketball operations and head coach for the OSA Crusaders (2008-11), head AAU coach of the Compton Magic (2014-21) and program director for ETG Midwest (2021-24). ETG (Everything to Gain) is one of the premier youth basketball organizations in the Midwest with many of its players having earned college scholarships.

"We're very similar in a lot of our philosophies, and I'm really excited to be able to rely on Mitch for some big decisions. He was not only a great HS coach but also has extensive experience in AAU with the "Compton Magic" and "Everything To Gain", the Adidas Circuit team out of Omaha," said Levinson. "Mitch has coached many NBA level caliber players throughout his career and has had access to NBA skill trainer Drew Hanlen and his clients who include recent NBA Champion Jason Tatum. He has traveled far and showed up to work many days and has earned his stripes. I can't wait to see the fruit that Mitch helps grow in his time in Kearney."

At Kansas, Runco was a student manager from 2004-08, working under head coach Bill Self and being a part of four Big XII titles and the 2008 national championship. He graduated with a B.S. in General Studies.

In his time at St. Bernard, won a 2015 CIF Championship, was the 2016 Southern Region Champs and State Runners Up while then winning the 2019 Trevor Ariza Tournament. Finally, Runco coaches seven All-CIF players and two CIF Players of the Year. Current UNK assistant coach Rob Fuller played for Runco for four years (2012-16) before moving onto play in college.