DMACC Bears Athletics Program
Men's Basketball Coaches
Meet the Coaches
2010-2011 Coaching Staff
Head Coach:
BJ McGinn
Assistant Coaches:
Brooks McKowen
Spencer Esslinger
Brett Cain
Student Assistant Coach:
Cody Pearson
Manager:
Colin Martin
Head Coach BJ McGinn
bjmcginn@dmacc.edu
B.J. McGinn begins his second season as Head Coach at Des Moines Area Community College, and fifth overall as part of the DMACC Men's Basketball program. During his time with the Bears, McGinn has helped guide them to a record of 97-29 over the span of four seasons.
During his first season as head coach of the Bears, McGinn led the 2009-2010 team to a school record 17 consecutive wins to begin the season. This start propelled the Bears to a number one national ranking. The Bears concluded the season 22-7 with a final nation ranking of fifteenth. During the 09-10 season, the Bears were ranked in the Division II national poll each week. The 22 win season marked the tenth consecutive 20 win season for the DMACC men's basketball program.
Prior to becoming the head coach at DMACC, McGinn served as assistant for current Athletic Director and Hall of Famer Coach Orv Salmon. The 2008-2009 team finished with a record of 20-11 and advanced to the regional semi-finals. The 2007-08 Bears finished runner-up in the Iowa Community Athletic Conference, with a record of 24-6 and a final national ranking of 7th. The 2006-07 Bears compiled a school best record of 31-5, won the Region 11 championship, advanced to the Elite Eight, and finished the season ranked fifth in the country. During this period, the Bears have had 16 All-Region performers and two All-Americans. Prior to coaching at DMACC, McGinn served as an assistant coach at NCAA Division II Wayne State College in Nebraska from 2001-2003, and 2005-2006 for former Des Moines North Polar Bear Rico Burkett. Following the first year of both his stops in Wayne to recruit, the Wildcats doubled their season win totals the next year. In addition, the Cats produced eleven all conference performers, including eight 1,000 career point scorers. McGinn also had a two year stint at NJCAA Division I Eastern Arizona College where he helped guide the Gilamonsters to a 37-23 record. During this period, the Gilamonsters produced seven all-region performers and one All-American. EAC sent players on to Loyola Chicago, Western Illinois, Mercer University, Northern Arizona, Lamar University, and several others.
Before entering the college ranks, McGinn was an assistant coach at Cedar Falls High School in Cedar Falls, Iowa from 1998-2001. While at Cedar Falls, McGinn worked under Iowa High School Hall of Fame Coach Jerry Slykhuis who amassed over 500 wins in his coaching career. Prior to coaching at Cedar Falls High School, McGinn spent time as an assistant coach at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa from 1996-97. During his time with the Wartburg Knights, McGinn assisted current University of Evansville Head Coach Marty Simmons.
A native of Cedar Falls, Iowa McGinn earned his bachelor's degree in secondary education from the University of Northern Iowa in May of 2001. He continued his education at Wayne State College where he earned his master's degree in athletic administration in May of 2003. He currently resides in Boone, IA with his wife Alisha and her son Cole.
Assistant Coach Brooks McKowen
Brooks McKowen enters his first season at DMACC after seven seasons as a player and Coach at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Brooks' duties for the Bears include recruiting coordinator, player development, scouting and game preparation, academic coordinator, and camp coordinator. In addition, he oversees all aspects of the day-to-day operations of the program.
At Northern Iowa he was a graduate assistant coach for two years from 2007 – 2009 before moving up to video coordinator for the 2009 – 2010 season, which the Panthers reached the Sweet Sixteen. As video coordinator, McKowen was in charge of film exchange, assisting and preparing scouting reports, coordinator of in season camp and assistant in summer camps. As a graduate assistant he was also involved with on court drills in practice and during individual workouts.
McKowen, a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, IA, was a four year starting point guard for the panthers during. During his playing career, the Panthers had three 20+ win seasons and three trips to the NCAA tournament. In 2007 he was named The Sporting News National Player of the week. He made 2nd team Academic All-Conference three times and was nominated to the 2004 Missouri Valley Conference All Freshman Team. He also holds the record for assist in a season and is 2nd all time in assist for the Panthers. He is also 4th all time in games played for a career.
A native of Fairbank, Iowa, McKowen attended Wapsie Valley High School where he was a four year starter. He is the state of Iowa High School single season and career all-time scoring leader. He was voted 2003's Mr. Basketball and captain of 2A all tournament team.
McKowen graduated from Northern Iowa in 2007 and then earned his Master's degree in Physical Education and Coaching in 2009.
Assistant Coach Spencer Esslinger
saesslinger@dmacc.edu
The 2010-2011 basketball season marks Spencer Esslinger’s seventh year as an assistant with the DMACC Bears basketball program. During Esslinger’s years at DMACC, the Bears have averaged 25 wins a season, including a NJCAA Region XI Championship in 2007. DMACC has also produced 21 All-Region players and 3 NJCAA All-American’s in Coach Esslinger’s tenure at DMACC.
Prior to coaching at DMACC, Coach Esslinger spent two seasons as an assistant coach at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, MN. While at St. Cloud, Esslinger helped coach the Huskies to a North Central Conference Championship and a birth in the NCAA Division II National Tournament. In addition to coaching at St. Cloud State, Esslinger also spent 6 seasons as an assistant coach at Ames High School in Ames, IA.
Spencer earned his Bachelor’s degree in History from Iowa State University and his Master’s Degree in Sports Management from St. Cloud State University. His duties at DMACC include on the floor coaching, recruiting, scouting and film exchange.
In addition to coaching at DMACC, Spencer is also a social studies teacher at Ames Middle School. Spencer, along with his wife Katie and daughter Shelby, reside in Ames.