April 4, 2024

LOURDES' DENNIS HOPSON RECIPIENT OF 2024 JACK BENNETT AWARD
Presented annually to the non-division I coach who wins with integrity on and off the court.

PHOENIX, AZ -- Lourdes University's Dennis Hopson is the recipient of the Jack Bennett Man of the Year award, which is presented annually to a non-division I coach who wins with integrity on and off the court.

Hopson led Lourdes to one of the best seasons in program history. The Gray Wolves finished 22-7 overall and finished in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference, with a 17-5 record. It was their best-ever finish in the conference and the Gray Wolves earned an at-large bid to the NAIA Tournament.

The outstanding season produced multiple individual accolades. Shaunn Monroe was named the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference Newcomer of the Year, while Joey Holifield and Jackie Harris were named All-WHAC First Team. Holifield was also voted to the WHAC All-Defensive Team.  Lelan Johnson was named to the WHAC All-Academic Team while Nic Borojevich was selected for the WHAC Champions of Character Team.

Hopson's arrival in 2019 was the start of complete culture change at Lourdes. In his first five seasons, the former All-American at Ohio State, has re-written to the record books. Under this guidance, the Gray Wolves have become a perennial contender in the WHAC and NAIA tournament qualifier.

"Coach Hopson has turned the Lourdes University men's basketball program into one of the top NAIA programs in the Midwest," said Jamie Kachmarik, Executive member of CollegeInsider.com and Director of Athletics at St. Francis de Sales.  “Since taking over the program in 2019, he has won at least 20 games every season, except for a shortened season in 2020 due to Covid.  Dennis Hopson is an exceptional coach and great leader within his community.  Dennis has brought pride to his hometown of Toledo, Ohio guiding the Lourdes Grey Wolves to so much success."

The Jack Bennett Award, which represents winning with integrity, is named in honor of former legendary head coach at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Bennett won five Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles, made five NCAA tournament appearances, and won two national championships. He’s the program’s all-time winningest coach with a 200-56 record. In 34 seasons as head coach, he compiled a record of 480-175.

The recipient of the annual award is determined by a 10-member voting committee, which consists of current and former head coaches, as well as two senior staff members of collegeinsider.com.