This bio is now a part of a historical archive.
Jerry Rickrode returns for his 22nd year at the helm of the Wilkes men’s basketball program for the 2013-14 season. During that time, he has led the Colonels to a 374-175 record, accumulating a winning percentage of .681, among the best all-time in NCAA Division III history for coaches with at least 10 years experience. He also holds the Division III record for being the fastest coach to reach the 200-win plateau, achieving the feat in his first 249 games.
Since coming to Wilkes in 1992, Rickrode has led the Colonels to 17 MAC and Freedom Conference playoff appearances, including 10 straight from 1992-2002. He also led the Colonels to five-straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including four Sweet Sixteens, three Elite Eights and one Final Four appearance.
During the 2000-01 season, Rickrode led Wilkes to a 23-3 record, the Freedom Conference championship, and the school’s sixth berth in the NCAA Tournament in seven years. During the 1997-98 campaign the Colonels posted a 26-5 overall record, won the MAC title, and advanced to the Division III Final Four for the first time in school history. Both the 1995-96 team, which fashioned a 28-2 record, and the 1994-95 teams advanced to the Division III Elite Eight. During Rickrode’s tenure the Colonels have been ranked number-one in Division III twice.
Under the guidance of Rickrode the Colonels have posted winning seasons in 20 of his 21 years as head coach, including seven campaigns in which they have registered at least 20 wins.
While at Wilkes, Rickrode has coached 38 all-conference performers; 11 All-ECAC players; six conference rookies of the year; and three-time conference most valuable player and the 2000-01 Jostens Division III National Player of the Year, Dave Jannuzzi.
Rickrode was honored by the National Association of Basketball Coaches as their Mid-Atlantic Regional Coach of the Year after the 2000-01, 1998-99, 1997-98 and 1995-96 seasons. Previously, he has also been named the Freedom coach of the year on three occasions, including 2000-01.
Rickrode came to Wilkes after spending four years as a full-time assistant coach at Ithaca College, where he was in charge of coordinating recruiting and scouting, along with assisting at practices and floor coach during games. In addition, Rickrode directed the pre-season and in-season strength and conditioning programs and was a full-time instructor in the Health and Human Performance Department.
Prior to Ithaca, Rickrode was an assistant at Utica College in 1987-88, a graduate assistant at Ithaca in 1986-87, and head freshman coach at Skidmore College in 1985-86.
Rickrode is a graduate of Skidmore College with a degree in Biology and Physical Education and from Ithaca College with a Master’s Degree in Physical Education.
At Skidmore, Rickrode set school records for points and assists in a single season as well as field goal percentage for a career. In 1985 he was named an NAIA Academic All-American and the Skidmore College Senior Athlete of the Year.
Rickrode, his wife Kathy, daughter Jordyn, and son Christian, reside in Mountain Top.
