Interim title removed from Olivet College men’s basketball coach Steve Ernst

OLIVET, Mich. – Olivet College Athletic Director Ryan Shockey is pleased to announce that the "interim" tag has been removed from men's basketball coach Steve Ernst's title and Coach Ernst will take over the men's basketball program on a full-time basis.

"I have been very pleased with what Coach Ernst has done with the basketball program and the direction we are headed in," said Shockey. "I am excited for our basketball program and know that Coach Ernst will continue to do great work."

"I am extremely humbled to lead the men's basketball program," said Ernst. "I would like to thank Ryan Shockey for this wonderful opportunity to continue coaching a great group of young men. The coaching staff will work hard every day to energize and restore a proud Olivet College men's basketball program."

Ernst has a wealth of coaching experience at all levels of basketball. Most recently, he was the head boys' basketball coach at Charlotte High School. He was also the head varsity boys' basketball coach at Cheboygan High School for the 2013-14 season. Before that, Ernst was the head boys' basketball coach at Lansing Christian High School in 2012-13. Ernst's other high school coaching experience includes stops at Grand Rapids Central, Pentwater and Summit Christian Academy.

Ernst began his coaching career as an assistant men's basketball coach at Glen Oaks Community College for the 1998-99 season. The next season, he served as a volunteer assistant coach at Grand Valley State University (GVSU). Ernst left GVSU to start his high school coaching career at Grand Rapids Central. Ernst returned to GVSU in Aug. 2002 to become the head assistant coach.

Ernst has his roots close to Olivet, as he graduated from Charlotte High School in 1986. He began his collegiate basketball career at GVSU and later played at Alma during the 1989 season. Ernst returned home to graduate and earn a bachelor's degree in human relations from Olivet College in 1991.