STILL HERE Veteran Tony Stockman Named Head Coach of Ohio Christian University
CIRCLEVILLE, OH - Tony Stockman is the new head basketball coach at Ohio Christian University. Stockman, a 2005 Ohio State graduate, was selected from a pool of top candidates from across the nation following an extensive search by the university. Stockman joins OCU after an eight year international basketball career where he played for professional teams in France, Germany, Israel, Mexico, and most recently in Brazil. Stockman inherits a program that went 27-10 during the 2011-12 season while earning the first NCCAA Final Four appearance in school history.
OCU believes that Stockman will take Ohio Christian Basketball to a new level of success. "Coach Stockman has great experience in Basketball and has played at every level. He will be a great addition to our team to continue what Coach Christopher has built; however, Tony's commitment to Christ and character development will be the greatest addition to OCU and this community," said OCU President Dr. Mark Smith.
"Coach Stockman has already asked how he can become involved in the community," said Smith. "He and his family will be relocating to the Circleville area where he will be hosting basketball camps and clinics. Here is another example of the numerous young professional families we are moving to Pickaway County." Smith added, "One of the fun parts of the interview process was having Coach Thad Matta call and say- "I have a Coach at Ohio University, Xavier University, and now Ohio Christian University-welcome to the Ohio basketball family."
Stockman is a product of Medina, Ohio and is no stranger to basketball in the Buckeye state. Stockman was named Mr. Basketball Ohio in 2000 after averaging 25.5 points per game and becoming the all-time leading scorer at Medina High School where he led his team to a 58-9 record in three seasons. He then signed with Clemson University where he would prove to be the top freshman in the ACC with a scoring average of 12.0 in his first season. In his 2nd season at Clemson he was the leading sophomore scorer in ACC play with an average of 14.1 points per game in conference games.
Stockman is a product of Medina, Ohio and is no stranger to basketball in the Buckeye state. Stockman was named Mr. Basketball Ohio in 2000 after averaging 25.5 points per game and becoming the all-time leading scorer at Medina High School where he led his team to a 58-9 record in three seasons. He then signed with Clemson University where he would prove to be the top freshman in the ACC with a scoring average of 12.0 in his first season. In his 2nd season at Clemson he was the leading sophomore scorer in ACC play with an average of 14.1 points per game in conference games.
Stockman became an Ohio State Buckeye following the 2001-02 season when he transferred from Clemson University. After sitting out a year due to NCAA transfer rules, he averaged 13.6 points per game to lead Ohio State in scoring as a junior. As a senior, he led Ohio State to a 20-12 record under new head coach Thad Matta.
"Tony is a leader in every sense of the word," said Ohio State Coach Thad Matta. "He was a floor general for us and was the closest thing you could get to a coach on the floor." Stockman comes to OCU with strong ties to both Thad Matta at Ohio State University and John Groce at Ohio University. Both coaches have served as mentors to Coach Stockman for the past nine years and will continue in that relationship in his new role at OCU.
OCU athletic director Ben Belleman commented on the addition Tony Stockman to the athletic department. "Tony is a top quality individual that will connect strongly with our students, our campus, and the local community. He is committed to building character, investing in his players, and knows how to relate to today's student athlete. His presence on our campus will immediately give OCU basketball increased exposure and interest across the entire state of Ohio and throughout the midwest."
"I want to help young men grow on and off the court as they become future leaders in our community," said Stockman. "Ohio Christian University is a great place to grow and develop both spiritually and as a young professional. If you are a young person looking for that kind of opportunity, then OCU is the place to be." Stockman is married to his wife Brittany and the couple has three sons - Tayden, Maddox, and Braysen. His family plans on living in Circleville and being actively involved in the community.
"Tony is a leader in every sense of the word," said Ohio State Coach Thad Matta. "He was a floor general for us and was the closest thing you could get to a coach on the floor." Stockman comes to OCU with strong ties to both Thad Matta at Ohio State University and John Groce at Ohio University. Both coaches have served as mentors to Coach Stockman for the past nine years and will continue in that relationship in his new role at OCU.
OCU athletic director Ben Belleman commented on the addition Tony Stockman to the athletic department. "Tony is a top quality individual that will connect strongly with our students, our campus, and the local community. He is committed to building character, investing in his players, and knows how to relate to today's student athlete. His presence on our campus will immediately give OCU basketball increased exposure and interest across the entire state of Ohio and throughout the midwest."
"I want to help young men grow on and off the court as they become future leaders in our community," said Stockman. "Ohio Christian University is a great place to grow and develop both spiritually and as a young professional. If you are a young person looking for that kind of opportunity, then OCU is the place to be." Stockman is married to his wife Brittany and the couple has three sons - Tayden, Maddox, and Braysen. His family plans on living in Circleville and being actively involved in the community.
