Coach VP 24-25 HS

Rick VanPelt

The 2024-2025 season was Rick VanPelt's 22nd year as the head coach of the Messiah men's basketball team, and his 28th season overall on the staff.


COACHING INSIGHTS OVER THE YEARS

  • Three NCAA Tournament Appearances
    • Second Round in 2006
  • Two Conference Championships
    • 2006, 2012
  • Two-time Conference Coach of the Year
    • Co-Conference Coach of the Year in 2007
    • 2012
  • Coached One Conference Player of the Year
    • Jared Yoder (2007)
  • Coached Two Rookies of the Year
    • Gian Paul Gonzalez (2003), Arkese Claiborne (2022)
  • Coached One All-American
    • Jared Yoder (2007)



COACHING BIO

VanPelt returned to his alma matter as an assistant coach under Dave Manzer in 1999, a position VanPelt held until he was hired as the Falcons’ head coach in March of 2003 and has held that position since.

“What is the most important to us in our program is the building of strong relationships,” VanPelt said. “We use the phrase ‘together for a short time, friends for a lifetime.’ Our goal is to be one of the premier small college basketball programs in the country. But our purpose is to have an impact on young men that will last well beyond the four years that they are here.”

“We want to pursue excellence, in all walks of life,” VanPelt said. “God has blessed us with a passion for the gift of basketball. We always want to try to use those gifts to glorify Him.”

A four-year varsity letterman during his time in a Messiah uniform, VanPelt helped the Falcons to a 15-10 record as a senior, leading the team to a MAC Northwest Championship. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education, VanPelt spent two years as a part-time assistant under his former coach, Sam Harris.

From 1994-1998, VanPelt shifted his coaching focus to the high school ranks, taking over the boys’ program at Big Spring High School. He led the Bulldogs to a pair of District 3 Playoff appearances after a nine-year absence, capturing both the 1995 and 1996 Mid-Penn Division III Championships as well.

VanPelt obtained a master’s degree in health education from Penn State University in 1996.

VanPelt and his wife Marie live in nearby Mechanicsburg with their three daughters: Hannah, Rachel and Sarah.


COACHING BY SEASON
 

MESSIAH MEN'S BASKETBALL

Season Overall Record Conference Record Conference Finish NCAA Appearance
2003-2004 13-12 5-9 --- ---
2004-2005 20-6 10-4 Semifinals ---
2005-2006 19-10 9-5 Champion Second Round
2006-2007 19-7 13-1 Runner-Up First Round
2007-2008 15-10 4-6 --- ---
2008-2009 9-17 6-6 Semifinals ---
2009-2010 16-9 9-5 Semifinals ---
2010-2011 12-13 7-7 Semifinals ---
2011-2012 20-7 12-2 Champion First Round
2012-2013 13-11 9-9 --- ---
2013-2014 19-6 13-5 Semifinals ---
2014-2015 13-11 6-10 --- ---
2015-2016 6-19 3-13 --- ---
2016-2017 12-12 7-9 --- ---
2017-2018 14-12 8-8 Play-In Game ---
2018-2019 10-15 6-10 --- ---
2019-2020 11-14 4-12 No Postseason No Tournament
2020-2021 5-6 4-6 --- ---
2021-2022 11-13 8-8 Semifinals ---
2022-2023 9-16 4-12 --- ---
2023-2024 6-19 2-12 --- ---
2024-25 5-20 4-10 --- ---
Seasons: 21 276-265 153-169 2 Championships 3 Appearances
.510 winning %





Last updated: 06/18/25