The J-TAC

Issue date: 9/27/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Johnathon Parker Lonn Reisman has served 20 years as a basketball coach at Tarleton State University. Since his arrival, Reisman has compiled a 392-179 record

Twenty years ago, Tarleton State University made the fateful decision to hire a young up-and-coming coach from Connors State College. Lonn Reisman, in the previous year, had taken a 10-win Connors State basketball squad and turned them into a winner, yielding a 21-win season and a semifinals berth in the state junior college tournament.

That decision turned out to be a monumental move that has resulted in the ascension of Tarleton basketball to a perennial contender and Division II powerhouse. Since his arrival on campus, Reisman has compiled a record of 392-179, won "Coach of the Year" honors eight times, eight Lone Star Conference tournament berths, and two Elite Eight tournament appearances.

"It takes a special person to stay somewhere for 20 years," said former letter-winner Gabe Johnson.

But as much as he has accomplished on paper, Reisman has been as important, if not more as a molder of young men and a teacher. Friday night's banquet in Coach Reisman's honor only stood to bolster the fact that he has been much more than a basketball coach to the young men and women who have attended Tarleton.

"Coach Reisman is more than a basketball coach," said Tarleton President Dennis McCabe. "He has grown from a coach, to an athletic department developer."

Lamar Johanson, Chair of the Tarleton Athletics Hall of Fame Committee, remembers the first game that Reisman coached at Tarleton.

"There might have been 29 people there," said Johanson. "It was against Mary-Hardin Baylor and we hit a 3-pointer to win the game."

That game might have served as a glimpse into the future of Tarleton basketball as the young coach Reisman hit the ground running in his attempt to take Tarleton to the top.

Coach Reisman became known far and wide for his intense sideline demeanor, which often resulted in a clip board being slammed to the ground, feet being stomped, or the more traditional vocal encouragements. He also became know amongst his players as a disciplinarian and perfectionist.

"I would be remiss to say that in the course of my time here, it was the most exciting time of my athletic career, but also the most challenging," said former Tarleton letter-winner Mark Smith.

Continued...

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