Dan Kosmoski / Former Gopher Retires from St Olaf

Donate To GopherHole
Ope3

Ope3

2 bowls of split plea soup to go, eh?
Joined
Dec 12, 2008
Messages
14,732
Reaction score
11,493
Points
113
Former Gopher Player and Assistant Coach, Dan Kosmoski, is stepping down after 32 years as St Olaf HC.

athletics.stolaf.edu

Kosmoski announces retirement after 32 seasons as head men's basketball coach - St. Olaf College Athletics

NORTHFIELD, Minn. - After 32 seasons leading the St. Olaf College men's basketball program, head coach Dan Kosmoski announced his retirement, effective at the end
athletics.stolaf.edu athletics.stolaf.edu

Pretty epic run he had from 2014 - 2018, making it to the NCAA Tournament 4 times, once to the Sweet 16 and winning 2 MIAC Playoff Championships. Both MIAC wins were at St Thomas.

Coach Koz leaves on a good note, finishing in a Regular Season Tie for 2nd Place in the MIAC.
 
Last edited:



Pretty cool career! He was a big part of the Dutcher Camps at St Olaf in the '80's as an assistant for the Gophers. Always friendly and humble. Congrats to him!
 
Last edited:




Coach Koz and his wife Ellen are two of the dearest and sweetest people you will ever meet. He’s indefatigable. In his earlier years at St. Olaf he drove the team bus to the road games. He never had a full time assistant. The Oles improved from a three win season in 24-25 to a top three finish this past year—Congrats to Coach Koz. Here’s to hoping there’s a role for him for Gopher basketball.
 

It’s easy to screw up because he’s always been just “Kos,” but his first name is Dan.
 

leftyslefty said:
It’s easy to screw up because he’s always been just “Kos,” but his first name is Dan.
Click to expand...

My bad. Embarrassing. Updated. Thanks.

What's funny is when I originally posted the thread I was going to go with Coach "Koz", but thought that was less than respectful. Would have been better than messing up his 1st name. Plus I triple checked the spelling of his last name.

Also wasn't sure if it's Koz or "Kos".
 
Last edited:



Not a great guy. I played for him.

"Fat dog never caught a rabbit" was the motto in the weight room, actually was painted above the mirrors. (Luckily the metabolism was still high back then)

I wonder how long that lasted? Womens team had to use the same weight room.

You havent lived until you've been cussed out a couple of times for minor things as an 18-22 year old playing DIII basketball.

Enjoy that retirement Mr. Kozmoski.
 

Ope3 said:
My bad. Embarrassing. Updated.

What's funny is when I originally posted the thread I was going to go with Coach "Koz", but thought that was less than respectful. Would have been better than messing up his 1st name.

Also wasn't sure if it's Koz or "Kos"
Click to expand...
Respectful in this situation is all relative.
 


Golden Deuce said:
"Fat dog never caught a rabbit" was the motto in the weight room, actually was painted above the mirrors. (Luckily the metabolism was still high back then)
Click to expand...

I would not have done well in a town with The Quality Bakery, Quarterback Club, Basil's Pizza & Hogan Bros.
 





Met Koz playing youth baseball back in Owatonna in about 1972. We met again in college and stayed in touch for many years. His dad and my dad became good friends. He was recruited by Coach Mussleman. He and Ellen are great people.
 


Lincoln gopher said:
Met Koz playing youth baseball back in Owatonna in about 1972. We met again in college and stayed in touch for many years. His dad and my dad became good friends. He was recruited by Coach Mussleman. He and Ellen are great people.
Click to expand...
You would have seen a different side of him if you played for him.

Not a great guy.
 


Lincoln gopher said:
I guess we will have to agree to disagree. I known him and his wife and late father for along time. I think I will stand by my opinion.
Click to expand...
I'm happy for you and Mr. Kozmoski.

The word facade comes to mind, but

I'm glad he's your dearest friend.
Lincoln gopher said:
I guess we will have to agree to disagree. I known him and his wife and late father for along time. I think I will stand by my opinion.
Click to expand...
 


Golden Deuce said:
Not a great guy. I played for him.

"Fat dog never caught a rabbit" was the motto in the weight room, actually was painted above the mirrors. (Luckily the metabolism was still high back then)

I wonder how long that lasted? Womens team had to use the same weight room.

You havent lived until you've been cussed out a couple of times for minor things as an 18-22 year old playing DIII basketball.

Enjoy that retirement Mr. Kozmoski.
Click to expand...
Minor things to players often involve the standards coaches attempt to establish in building the culture. Sometimes as coaches we can explain why it is important to the players better than we do.
But, it sounds like you didn't consider it a privilege to be playing DIII basketball at a respected MIAC school. It wasn't a right, but a privilege.
Maybe your attitude was a factor in being cussed out?
 



He was a hard ass during Clem's camps in the late 80's and early 90's.

I remember at a St Thomas overnight camp he woke all of us up at 1am and made us do wall sits for about 30 minutes. We were cursing that guy out bad.
 

You must log in or register to reply here.



Top Bottom