“Being able to accomplish this at a college where I played and in a community where I grew up made this a very exciting and easy decision.”
Ratzlaff, a Hillsboro High School alum and 2003 Tabor College graduate, was the assistant coach at Union College, Barbourville, Ky., for two years while earning his master’s degree in physical education.
He then spent one year coaching at East Central University, Ada, Okla., before returning to Tabor to teach, coach and serve as Campus Recreation Center director.
While a member of the Tabor men’s basketball team, he was selected as an honorable mention NAIA All-American as well as first-team all-KCAC in 2001 and 2003.
Ratzlaff said his vision for the team is to “help each player perform to his full potential and for the group to compete as a team on the court night in and night out.”
Ratzlaff also said his vision extends beyond the court: “Spiritually, my vision for the team is that through this program, (players’) faith will be challenged and, as a result, they would grow in their personal relationship with the Lord.”
“I’m really looking forward to playing a bigger role, and having more of an impact on the players’ lives,” he added. “Coach Don Brubacher has done an unbelievable job with this basketball program over many years, and I am excited to be a part of continuing that tradition.”
Brubacher’s basketball teams won 11 conference championships and qualified for post-season play in 20 of his 25 years.
Brubacher will continue to serve as athletic director and associate professor of physical education.