Raridon introduced as Hastings College men’s basketball coach, preaches work ethic

HASTINGS, NE — It feels more like a homecoming than a new start for Todd Raridon.

“It’s great to be back to Hastings. It means a lot… coming home,” Raridon said.

Raridon was introduced as the newest men’s basketball coach at Hastings College on Wednesday. He’s a 1980 alumnus and was a four-year letterman on the basketball team. The McCook native is back in his home state after coaching the last 18 years in suburban Chicago.

“I think when you’re away from it, you don’t appreciate it," Raridon said. "When I had a chance to get back here and talk with the people… I can’t express my gratitude enough for those people.”

Athletic Director BJ Pumroy says the Broncos conducted an open search and received 60 applicants, but Raridon was already his radar because of his alumni status. His vast experience made Raridon the school’s first call.

“What has gone on in 30-plus years of being a head coach has been very positive," Pumroy said. "It seemed like the right person to make the first target towards.”

Raridon owns a 581-280 record across his head coaching career. The past 18 years were spent at North Central College in Illinois and the previous 15 years were at Nebraska Wesleyan.

He says work ethic is the foundation of his teams’ success.

“You’re working hard, but so is everybody else in this conference, so is everybody else in the country so we have to outwork people," Raridon said. "I expect us to outwork people.”

Raridon will get to work recruiting soon. He says he’ll focus primarily on in-state talent. 

The Broncos first game will be in late October, and the new coach is looking forward to it.

“It will be extremely special for me, I think. It will be emotional, but it won’t be my last game,” Raridon said.

Raridon replaces Bill Gavers, who retired after nine seasons leading the Broncos.