March 8, 2008

The Simpson College women’s basketball team received more honors this week after advancing to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Division III tournament over the weekend.

Simpson College Head Women's Basketball Coach Brian Niemuth was selected as one of eight 2008 Russell Athletic/WBCA Regional Coaches of the Year, and player Katelyn Whiton (Sr., Panora, Iowa, Perry H.S.) was named as one of 40 finalists for the State Farm Coaches All-America Basketball Team.

About Niemuth

This is the third time Niemuth has earned the Russell Athletic/WBCA Region Coach of the Year honors.

Niemuth led Simpson to its seventh IIAC women's basketball title, its sixth since 1998, with a 15-1 conference record. After winning their fourth conference tournament title in nine years, the Storm qualified for their eighth NCAA Tournament overall, and their fourth in a row, with a 26-2 overall record.

Niemuth is in his 21st year at the helm of the Storm program. He is the winningest coach in school history.

About Whiton

Whiton led Simpson in scoring with 16.5 points per game and ranked second in rebounding with 7.5 rebounds per game in 27 contests, ranking third and seventh in the Iowa Conference in the respective categories. She shot a team-high 55 percent from the floor, which was third in the IIAC. Whiton led the Storm in scoring 15 times, in rebounding 11 times and in both categories seven times.
              
Whiton was named as one of 10 finalists for the Josten’s Trophy Feb. 26. The Josten's Trophy is a national award created by the Rotary Club of Salem, Va., to honor the most outstanding men’s and women’s Division III basketball players of the year. The award takes into account three vital parts: basketball ability, academic prowess and community service.