Findlay nets another small town standout
By Tim Langevin
More local flavor has been added to the Findlay University 2010-2011 Basketball Roster. Mens Head Coach Ron Niekamp announced May 6 the signing of former New Knoxville standout Brad Piehl.
The Oilers have already signed Greg Kahlig of Fort Recovery and Mark Frilling of Fort Loramie.
Piehl transferred after his freshman season with NCAA Division I Robert Morris and will be elgible to compete immediately.
During his inaugurial campaign with the Colonials, the 6′ 8″ forward/center averaged 1.8 points and 1.2 rebounds in 8.9 minutes per contest. He played in 29 games with one start.
Robert Morris finished the season 23-12 which included a 73-70 OT loss to Villanova in the first round of the NCAA South Regional. Piehl played six minutes.
“Brad is a proven winner and we are excited to have him join our program,” coach Niekamp said. “He is a local kid who we tried to recruit in high school and we expect him to help our inside game on both ends of the floor.”
Piehl starred on New Knoxville’s 2008 Division IV State Championship squad which recorded a 27-0 mark. He averaged 14.8 points, 8.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2.0 blocks per game.
Piehl was unavailable for comment, but according to his father, “Brad decided to leave for two reasons. His coach, Mike Rice, left for Rutgers and Findlay was closer to home. Only about 50 minutes away compared to five hours.”
It is no coincidence that local talent is landing at Findlay. Coach Niekamp and his staff have deep roots in the MAC. Niekamp played for St. Henry where he earned All-Ohio honors. He started his coaching career at Parkway some 30 years ago. The long time Findlay boss has won 574 games at the college level, including an NCAA Division II title in 2009.
Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator Charlie Ernst played for Minster before he played and coached at Findlay the past 24 seasons. And assistant Dan Shardo was a standout for Versailles.
Coach Ernst explained the MAC mystique, “We all played basketball in the MAC. It is a competitive atmosphere, yet, very family oriented. Once our playing careers were over, we all still respected one another, became friends, and remained in contact the rest of our lives. Now, we coach together.”
He added, “We have always looked for local talent. But what happens is that the top players go to DI schools and the average players go to DIII schools. We are kind of stuck in the middle at the DII level.”
Ernst shared the acquisition process of Piehl, “About midway through the season, Brad’s former high school coach Dan Hegemier called and that started the process. Once the season ended, Hegemier called again and said that Brad wanted to play for Findlay. We were surprised, but didn’t hesitate to sign him. I think Brad was homesick.”
Ernst concluded, “We are excited. We know what we are getting with all three players-quality kids. Piehl will play the 4 and/or 5 position. Kahlig can play three positions at 2 or 3 or 4. And Frilling will play mostly at the 4 position.”
In case fans are interested, Findlay’s home opener is November 16 against Cedarville. Tip off is 7:30 PM.
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