ORANGE CITY, Iowa – The Northwestern men’s basketball team is set to recognize Les Douma, former head coach and athletic director at Northwestern, and his 1980s teams during halftime of their home game against Morningside on Saturday, December 10.
Following coaching stints at Sheldon High School and Westmar College, Douma was hired as Northwestern’s men’s basketball head coach and athletic director in 1981, holding the position for nine years. During his tenure, Northwestern went 158-104 and earned a berth to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) tournament in the 1986-87 season. It was their first tournament appearance in 15 seasons. He received various accolades throughout his career, earning Coach of the Year honors in 1987 and being named NAIA District 15 Athletic Director of the Year three times. Northwestern had a winning record seven times and reached the 20-win mark three times during the 1980s.
Eight players were All-Iowa Conference selections, and three Raiders – Bill Francis, Kevin Van Veldhuizen, and Alan Visser – were NAIA All-Americans under Douma’s leadership.
“We’re looking forward to celebrating the Raider basketball team members and coaching staff from the 1980s led by Coach Les Douma,” said head coach Kris Korver. “We hope you will come out to see Couch Douma, his wife Bev, and sons Brent and Craig, along with the Raiders from the 80s. It should be a sweet reunion!”
Members of Douma’s teams are invited to take part in the ceremony at halftime of the men’s basketball game and a postgame meal. Tipoff is at 3:45 on Saturday, December 10. For additional information, please contact Kris Korver at kkorver@nwciowa.edu or 712-737-7125.
