Ryan Pedersen named Coach of Year in TOI Conference

After having coached 10 years for three different teams, the past four as head boys basketball coach at Eagle Grove, it’s safe to say that Ryan Pedersen has paid his dues in that position. It is also on record that he had only won 10 total games over the past three years before this seasons break through. That resulted in a turnaround from 5-18 a year ago to 11-11 this time around. That is evidence why he has been honored as Coach of the Year in the Top of Iowa Conference.

“I was a little shocked,” said Pedersen when given the news. “I knew we had a pretty good season this year, and really improved from our record a year ago, but didn’t really expect it. I am really honored.” He started out in the coaching profession as a volunteer assistant for the freshman team at Clear Creek Amana, doing that for a year followed by a year as assistant freshman coach at Ankeny. Four years were spent as an assistant to former head coach Lanny Parrott before he took the head job here.

“I give a lot of credit to a couple of people, and Coach Parrott would be one,” said Pedersen. “Lanny gave me my first real coaching job, and I learned a lot from him. As an assistant, he allowed me to make coaching decisions and asked for my advice in many situations. He was the one that prepared me to take over the Eagles. I also give credit to Coach Becker. When I was in high school, the thing I remembered the most was how much he cared for his athletes. I’ve always said that I wanted to make sure I had that same kind of relationship with my athletes someday.”

Read the full story in the March 8 edition. 

The Eagle Grove Eagle

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