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  • New Mankato Loyola boys basketball coach Tim Anderson (right) talks with summer-league coach Eric Schugel before a game Tuesday night at Bethany Lutheran College. Pat Christman

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July 27, 2010

Loyola hires Anderson for boys basketball

Former Maple River coach to bring skills to Mankato

By Chad Courrier Free Press Staff Writer

MANKATO — When Tim Anderson retired as the Maple River boys coach in 2008, he knew he’d get back into coaching some day.

After a year off, he returned to coach the Maple River girls team last season.

“After last season, I knew I was more comfortable and I belong in a boys program,” Anderson said.

On Tuesday, Anderson become the boys basketball coach at Mankato Loyola.

“I feel good about this,” Anderson said, shortly after signing his contract. I think it’s a good fit. Loyola has always had a good tradition in boys basketball, and hopefully, I can continue that.”

Anderson replaces John Landkamer, who had been the head coach since 2004. Landkamer will be the head coach for Loyola baseball, which he did before switching to basketball.

Anderson coached the Maple River boys program for 19 seasons, resigning in 2008. He compiled a record of 272-93 with 10 Valley Conference championships and three state tournament teams.

He didn’t coach in 2008-09, choosing to watch his son Seth play at Gustavus Adolphus, and he returned last season to coach the Maple River girls, leading that team to a 19-5 record.

He also applied for the boys job at Fairmont and didn’t get it. He applied at Loyola on Wednesday, interviewed on Thursday and accepted the job Tuesday.

He’ll continue as a teacher and counselor in the Maple River district, and he’ll coach the Eagles girls tennis team this fall.

“This is something new, and that’s always exciting,” he said. “I think it will be fun.”

Loyola was 14-12 last season, and Anderson said he didn’t know much about the players. He attended Loyola’s summer-league game at Bethany on Tuesday and watched from the stands, addressing the team afterward to set up another meeting tonight.

“I know he’s a great coach, and we’re excited to have him,” Loyola’s Jake Wesely said. “Everybody’s really excited. He’s had some great teams at Maple River, and we’re glad he wanted to coach us.”

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