Messiah College Men's Basketball

Van Pelt is in his 14th season as head coach of Messiah's men's basketball in 2016-17, and his 20th-straight season overall on the Falcons' bench. Hired as the Falcons head coach in March of 2003, Van Pelt wasted little time in putting his own stamp on the program, guiding the team to the program's first Commonwealth Conference title in 2006. The team qualified for back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances in 2005-06 and 2006-07 the first NCAA post-season berths since Messiah mens basketball joined the NCAA in 1984. In the past few seasons Van Pelt has orchestrated a few of the program's most impressive feats, including a 20-7 record and NCAA Tournament berth in 2012. In 2014 Van Pelt also led the Falcons to a program-record 12-0 start and a national No. 15 ranking. Altogether the Falcons have qualified for the conference tournament in five of the last eight seasons, and eight of the last 12 seasons. Prior to Van Pelts arrival as head coach, the Falcons had suffered a 14-year drought to league postseason action the squads last appearance coming in 1990-1991, Van Pelts own senior season with the Falcons. The bar has been raised with Van Pelts return, however, as the one-time scrappy guard has put a premium on valuing toughness and maximum effort from all of his teams. After leading Messiah to it's first conference crown in 2006, Van Pelt was named the Commonwealth co-Coach of the Year in 2007-- an accomplishment repeated in 2011-12. What is the most important to us in our program is the building of strong relationships, Van Pelt said. We use the phrase together for a short time, friends for a lifetime. Our goal is to be one of the premier small college basketball programs in the country. But our purpose is to have an impact on young men that will last well beyond the four years that they are here. Van Pelt has seemingly conceptualized both goal and purpose, as Messiahs 20-6 overall win-loss record in 2005-2006 was the programs first 20-win season since 1977-1978. In addition to success in the win column, the Falcons were also recognized by the Collegiate Basketball Officials Association (CBOA) that year, receiving the Sam Schoenfeld Sportsmanship Award. Messiah again received that honor following the 2009-2010 campaign, an award presented to the college or university, which in the judgment of the CBOA membership, best exemplifies the highest degree of sportsmanship, character, and ethics among their players, coaches and spectators. It is the highest honor that the CBOA annually bestows on any collegiate institution. We want to pursue excellence, in all walks of life, Van Pelt said. God has blessed us with a passion for the gift of basketball. We always want to try to use those gifts to glorify Him. Messiah has taken those ideals far beyond campus, as the team traveled outside the United States multiple times, performing missions work while playing against club teams as well. During regular seasons, fan and alumni support have made extensive travel possible, as Messiah has played games in California, Florida, Virginia Beach, New York City, Arizona, and the Bahamas over the course of Van Pelts tenure. We work very hard to provide unique experiences through our program, and team travel is a big part of that, Van Pelt said. Our trips to the Dominican and other place have been incredible. Its our goal to make international trips every three years. To be able to integrate our faith through the sport of basketball ... that is the highlight of my time as a coach here. A four-year varsity letterman during his time in a Messiah uniform, Van Pelt helped the Falcons to a 15-10 record as a senior, leading the team to a MAC Northwest Championship. After graduating with a bachelors degree in health and physical education, Van Pelt spent two years as a part-time assistant under his former coach, Sam Harris. From 1994-1998, Van Pelt shifted his coaching focus to the high school ranks, taking over the boys program at Big Spring High School. He led the Bulldogs to a pair of District 3 Playoff appearances after a nine-year absence, capturing both the 1995 and 1996 Mid-Penn Division III Championships as well. In 1999, Van Pelt returned to his alma mater as an assistant coach under Dave Manzer, a position he held until taking over the program in 2003. Van Pelt obtained a masters degree in health education from Penn State University in 1996. In addition to leading the Messiahs mens basketball program, he also oversees Messiah Athletics Club Sports. Van Pelt and his wife Marie live in nearby Mechanicsburg with their three daughters: Hannah, Rachel and Sarah.

Currently serving as a Graduate Assistant Coach at Messiah University, Kade Anzulavich, a graduate with a major in Sport Management from Juniata College, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for the game to his coaching role. A standout player during his collegiate years, Kade's dedication and leadership were recognized with a spot on the All-Landmark Sportsmanship Team. His collegiate career culminated in a memorable victory as his team secured the ECAC Championship, a testament to his commitment to success.