Basketball history was made last basketball season as Indiana Wesleyan head men's basketball coach, Greg Tonagel, earned his 500th career win. After 18 seasons at the helm, Tonagel accomplished the feat in just 630 games. In his career, Tonagel has won 80% of his games, 13 regular season conference championships and garnered 58 All-Conference Players and 24 NAIA All-Americans.

After taking the leadership of the Wildcat program at the age of 24, Tonagel is the fastest men's basketball coach in the history of NCAA D1 and the NAIA to reach 500 wins. Only five coaches in the history of men's basketball have reached the milestone before their 21st season, and Tonagel has done it in just 630 games.

Tonagel is humbled and honored to coach IWU basketball. He shares, “I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to coach basketball and the young men in our program. Dr. Fratzke took a chance on me at age 24 and by God’s grace I’ve grown. Coaching offers an opportunity for power, platform, and relational opportunity and I’ve experienced deep growth in each of these, and I’ve seen kingdom impact as a result.”

Tonagel’s influence extends beyond his notable 500 wins to his mission off the court. The mission of I AM THIRD remains more essential and evident inside the culture and growth of the many players who have donned the red and grey. He says, “I coach people, not basketball.” The success of his program speaks to the success of his approach.

Senior starter Noah Smith (’24) appreciates Tonagel and the atmosphere IWU basketball creates for personal growth. “The relationships with my teammates and coaches are taking me in the direction to become the man I want to be in life. It’s not just about basketball; it’s about character.”

The IWU men’s team continued to find their way towards the top of NAIA rankings throughout the ’23-’24 season as Tonagel continues to add wins to his overall record. “I found my purpose here. IWU is rare because I can be extremely Christ focused and win big.”