NU Jets Men's Basketball Coaches

Newman Jets Men's Basketball Coaches

Mark Potter

Head Men's Basketball Coach

Department: Athletics

Phone #: 316-942-4291, ext.2374

Office #: OS210

Mark Potter is in his 10th year as Newman University's Head Men's Basketball Coach where he has compiled an overall record of 180-98.

Potter, a former Newman player and Assistant Coach, has compiled the highest winning percentage in Newman's basketball history. In 1998, he was chosen to resurrect the men's basketball program after an 11-year hiatus. In only the second year back, Potter led his team to an undefeated conference championship, a National Tournament berth, and a 29-6 overall record. The Jets also finished the year ranked 13th in the nation. Potter was selected as the MCAC Coach of the Year, Kansas Four Year College Coach of the Year and Wichita Sports Commission Coach of the Year. A National Tournament appearance was also part of the 2001-2002 basketball season. That year the Jets finished with a 27-5 record and lost in the first round of the tournament by 2 points. Potter was again selected Coach of the Year in the MCAC. Newman continued their success in 2004-2005. They finished 23-10 overall and 11-3 in conference. Led by 1st Team All-Conference Selections Seth Elliott and Massamba Fall, the Jets pushed on to the NAIA Sweet Sixteen. Elliott’s performance that season also earned him Honorable Mention All-American Honors. Newman finished the year ranked #20 in the nation.

The 2006-2007 season began with difficulty. With returning 1st Team All-Conference performer, Cole Elliott and expected starter, Caleb Fine sidelined for the season, Newman started the year with two losses before getting on track with an overtime win against in-town rival Friends University. Unfortunately, Newman would soon lose another starter, Trent Watts to injury for the season. Despite the injurys, and lack of post-season eligibility the Newman players continued to work and get better. The seasons highlights included leading Heartland Conference Champions (NCAA DII conference Newman is entering), St. Edwards for 35 minutes before losing a heartbreaker. The Jets also finished the season winning 5 of their last 7 games.

Potter is a 1986 Newman graduate, where he played both basketball and baseball. He averaged 15 points per game as a guard for the basketball team and was All-District on the baseball team. Potter also served as assistant coach for both basketball and baseball at Newman immediately following his playing career.

Potter spent his first five years as a head coach at Cheney High School where he led the team to a second-place finish at the state tournament in 1989. He then spent five years as head basketball coach at Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School, where the team captured third in the Wichita city league on two occasions and made a state tournament appearance. Potter spent one year coaching at Wichita South High School, posting a 16 and 9 record and finishing third in the state tournament. Potter's overall record as a high school head coach is 137-112, with four state tournament appearances in 11 years.

Mark and his wife, Nanette, have two children. Chelsey, 18, will be a freshman at Newman University and will be playing Volleyball for the Jets. Zechariah, 21, is a junior at Wichita State and a member of the Wichita State Golf Team

Chris Popp: Assistant Men's Basketball Coach; Department: Athletics; Email: PoppC@newmanu.edu; Phone #: 316-942-4291, ext. 2640; Office #: OS222; Chris Popp enters his third season at Newman University. A graduate of Wichita Northwest High School, Popp was a member of the 1994 6A State Runner-up Northwest Grizzlies. He went on to play collegiate basketball at Tabor College. While at Tabor, the Bluejays finished 1st in the KCAC and advanced to the Sweet Sixteen at the NAIA National Tournament. Following college, Popp spent three years as an assistant coach at Derby High School. During those three years, the Panthers never finished lower than 3rd in the Ark Valley League. In 2004 Popp returned to Tabor College as an assistant coach. There, he helped guide the Bluejays to a KCAC Championship and a trip back to the National Tournament. Tabor finished the 2004-05 season ranked 22nd in the nation. Their run ended with a six point loss to eventual champion, Walsh University at the National Tournament. Chris is married to Dianne who teaches Physical Education at Wichita Northwest High School and also serves as the head volleyball coach. On Nov. 20, 2006, Chris and Dianne were blessed with a baby boy, Vaughan Harold Popp.

Dan Cosgrove: Assistant Men's Basketball Coach; Department: Athletics; Email:; Phone #: 316-634-1315; Office #:; Dan Cosgrove returns to Newman for his 10th season as an assistant at Newman University. A native of Council Grove, Kan., he received his bachelor's degree in Physical Education at Kansas State in 1981 as well as earning his Master's degree in Sports Administration from Wichita State in 1992. Cosgrove has had successful coaching stops at Arkansas City High School, Wichita-Curtis Junior High, Derby High School, and Wichita South High School. During his seven years as an assistant at Wichita South, Cosgrove helped guide the team to five City League Championships and three 6A State Championships while working with several all-city and all-state players including former Newman stars Tolanda Charles and Cortland Carney. Cosgrove currently teaches Social Studies at Wichita South. Cosgrove and his wife, Margaret, have a 19 year old daughter, Danielle, and 15 year old twin daughters, Emily and Hilary. The family resides in Wichita.

Erica Moeder: Men's Basketball Manager; Department: School of Science and Mathematics; Email: MoederE@newmanu.edu; Phone #: 316-942-4291, ext. 2374; Office #:; Erica Moeder was an important part of the program last year and the program is lucky to have her back for a second year. Moeder is a sophomore from Andale High School. She is also the daughter of Sandy Moeder, the Athletic Department Administrative Assistant.