The Enduring Legacy of Huntington University Basketball: A Chronicle of Excellence and Influence
Huntington University, nestled in the heart of Indiana, a state renowned for its passion for basketball, boasts a rich and storied history within its men's basketball program. This legacy is not merely defined by wins and losses, but by the indelible impact of its coaches, the exceptional talent of its players, and the enduring values it has fostered. From groundbreaking achievements on the court to profound influences off it, the story of Huntington University basketball is one of dedication, faith, family, and a relentless pursuit of excellence that continues to resonate today.
The Architect of an Era: Coach Steve Platt's Monumental Impact
At the epicenter of Huntington University's basketball ascendance stands the towering figure of Coach Steve Platt. A true Forester in spirit long before his graduation in 1974, Platt embodied the very characteristics that define the university: truth, honesty, passion, community, and a willingness to engage deeply with the task at hand. His philosophy was simple yet profound: "Use the God-given talents [you] have to their fullest ability." This guiding principle permeated every facet of his life, leaving an indelible mark not only on the basketball program but on the countless individuals he mentored.
Platt's journey with Huntington basketball began as a player, where from 1970 to 1974, he led the Foresters to an impressive record of 78-38. His individual prowess was equally remarkable, earning him four selections as All-District Player of the Year and achieving NAIA All-American status. Even today, Platt continues to hold several records for the Foresters and remains the state of Indiana's all-time collegiate leader in scoring with a staggering 3,700 points, a feat that places him seventh on the all-time collegiate scorers list across all levels, including NCAA Division I. His athletic achievements were so significant that he was recognized in the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel as one of Northeast Indiana's Top 50 Athletes of the Century and received prestigious inductions into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996 and the NAIA Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987. He was also the inaugural inductee into the Huntington University Hall of Fame in 1974, a testament to his foundational impact.
However, it was in his 14 years as head coach of men's basketball that Steve Platt truly cemented his legacy. His tenure was nothing short of extraordinary, marked by an unparalleled string of successes. Under his guidance, the Foresters secured five MCC Tournament Championships and achieved the remarkable feat of being the NAIA National Runner-Up, alongside two Final Four appearances. His coaching acumen was recognized with 23 All-American Honors and 42 All-Conference Honors awarded to his players, including eight MCC Players of the Year. Platt amassed over 300 wins, boasting a .697 winning percentage that stands as the highest in school history. He was twice named MCC Coach of the Year (1999-2000, 2007-2008) and led the team to a best single-season overall record of 34-5 in 1999-2000, and a best single-season conference record of 14-2 in 2006-2007. His overall conference record of 141-63 further underscores his consistent dominance.
Yet, beyond the impressive statistics and accolades, Coach Platt's most profound impact lay in his unwavering commitment to shaping his players into better individuals. Lori Culler, athletic director and women's basketball coach, noted, "Coach Platt instilled in his players the importance of a relationship with Christ, a love for family, and the necessity of hard work." He served as an outstanding role model and a father figure to many young men navigating their collegiate years away from home. His influence extended far beyond the hardwood, with his legacy continuing to thrive through the numerous lives he touched and mentored.
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Platt understood the power of challenge and growth, believing that "resistance leads to growth and that iron truly does sharpen iron." He pushed his team relentlessly, fostering an environment where players grew not only as athletes but as men. Former player Jeff Shepherd (1999) eloquently shared, "I am thankful for the life and legacy of Coach Steve Platt. Playing under his coaching and developing under his leadership changed the trajectory of my life. He used his coaching platform as a ministry to shape and mold his players into the best version of themselves on and off the basketball court. He was a true Hall of Famer in life." This sentiment was echoed by Alex Kock (2007), who stated, "Coach Platt was a great basketball player and coach, but he was highly regarded by his players because of his character. He was a fierce competitor on the court, and off the court he was all about family. His players knew that he considered us part of his family. He positively impacted the lives of countless players that were fortunate enough to be a part of the Forester basketball program and call Steve Platt their coach."
Even in retirement, Coach Platt remained deeply engaged, serving on the President’s Advisory Council on Excellence and HU’s Ag Advisory Council. His passions were a vibrant tapestry, encompassing both the "hardwood courts and cattle. Basketball and babies," as famously noted by Indianapolis Star reporter Dana Hunsinger Benbow. His dedication to his pursuits was so intense that even his battle with liver cancer was a secondary concern to his love for the game and his family.
Dr. Sherilyn Emberton, president of Huntington University, aptly summarized Platt's enduring impact: "Coach Platt’s legacy will live on in the lives of the students he influenced throughout the years at Huntington University. He integrated a love for sport with Christian character that was evident to all who knew him. Coach Platt will be remembered as a leader of integrity who pursued excellence through hard work and commitment to faith and family." In a 2004 interview, Platt himself articulated his mission: "I look at myself as a father figure, someone to rely on… when times get tough. My goals are to help young men grow individually, spiritually, and socially. When they leave Huntington [University] with a degree, I want them to have a huge impact wherever they go." By all accounts, Coach Platt's mission was unequivocally accomplished.
A Dynasty Forged: The 1999-2000 Men's Basketball Team
The 1999-2000 men's basketball squad etched its name in Huntington University history as the first team to ever earn a spot at the NAIA National Tournament. This monumental achievement was secured by winning the Mid-Central Conference tournament championship, and their debut on the national stage was nothing short of spectacular. Led by the exceptional talent of First Team All-American Gabe LaGrange, the Foresters concluded the season with a dominant 31-4 record, setting a new program high for the most wins in a single season. Their superiority was evident in their average margin of victory, outscoring opponents by nearly 12 points per contest, a testament to their cohesive teamwork and strategic prowess. This remarkable season also saw an impressive six players from that squad achieve the distinction of becoming members of HU’s 1,000-point club, a testament to their consistent scoring contributions throughout their careers.
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