Brenegan to Head Men's Basketball at NPU

Brenegan, who previously served as the associate head coach of the men's basketball team and head golf coach, has been at North Park for six years. It coincided with the NPU head coaching tenure of Johnson, who had compiled a record of 72-78, including an 8-17 overall mark during the 2003-04 season.

Johnson had openly discussed retiring from his head coaching position with NPU in recent years, which allowed for a smooth transition for Brenegan to take over the job. Johnson, a former head coach of Division I Northeastern Illinois University (less than a mile from North Park's campus) before taking over for the Vikings, recorded an overall collegiate record of 474-387.

"I am thankful and humbled for the opportunity to lead the North Park men's basketball program," said Brenegan. "North Park is truly a special place with an unparalleled basketball history. I am excited to move the program forward and continue building on the great tradition."

Brenegan holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics and a master's degree in physical education from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, where he was captain of the basketball team and a Bill Bradley Scholastic All-American in 1994 and 1995. After graduation, he served as an assistant basketball coach at Loras from 1995-98.

Originally from Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, Brenegan's father, Jack was recently inducted into the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame for his successful tenure as the Madison Area Technical College coach.

"We are excited to have Paul step up to the head position," said athletic director Jack Surridge. "His work ethic, background of success, and loyalty to North Park University are all key ingredients to a successful future for Viking basketball."

North Park's tradition in men's basketball is a rich one, including a record five NCAA National Championships [1978, 1979, 1980, 1985, and 1987] at the Division III level. After a sluggish period in the mid 1990s, Johnson helped NPU re-establish its competitiveness, winning 16 games in 2000 and beating two highly ranked teams during conference play. The team remained near the .500 mark the next three seasons.

Even during a 3-11 College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) season, the Vikings edged eventual CCIW champ Illinois Wesleyan University 77-74 on January 21. With the team's top scorer, Lamar Townsend, returning, NPU's fortunes seem on the upsurge and Surridge believes Brenegan's hiring is another positive step towards that end.

"Rees Johnson certainly had a positive impact on the direction of the men's basketball program at North Park University," said Surridge. "We were really struggling before Rees took over. He brought a renewed enthusiasm for basketball by the student body and built a competitive program. We have every confidence that Paul Brenegan will continue this fine work and take North Park University to a higher level."

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