LANSING, Mich.
Great Lakes Christian College is excited to announce the hiring of Elijah Kess as the College's Interim Men's Head Basketball Coach. Kess takes over a program who were leaders in the National Christian College Athletic Association in the last five years, appearing in three final fours and winning the 2023 Mideast Regional Championship. Kess made a significant impact on the 2019-2020 team as a transfer recruited by former GLCC coach Richard Westerlund. Following graduation, Kess stayed on as an assistant under Westerlund, who had this to say about Kess: "I couldn't be more excited for Elijah and the Men's Basketball program. Elijah has grown so much since he stepped onto campus in 2018. He was my right-hand man the last three years. He has a heart to impact young people through the classroom of basketball. I am so proud of him! It is a testament to Elijah's work ethic, character, and dedication to serve not just his student athletes but also GLCC. I truly believe he will take the program to levels not yet reached."
Athletic Director Sam Sibilski expressed appreciation for the student-athletes Coach Kess has recruited for the 2023-2024 school year. According to Sibilski, "We are excited for Elijah Kess to step into this role. I look forward to seeing what he can do at the helm of the program. Elijah's commitment to the basketball program and his passion for what he does will help to push our program to the next level. Elijah was influential in this year's fantastic recruiting class and has set up a foundation for us to remain competitive for years to come." At Great Lakes Christain College, athletics is a discipleship strategy. According to President Frank Weller, "Athletics at Great Lakes Christian College is one of the ways we shape students into servant leaders for the church and the world. During his time at GLCC Coach Kess showed incredible growth personally and spiritually. I've loved watching him mature as a person and a follower of Jesus. His experience as a player at GLCC will motivate him to provide the same for his athletes." According to Coach Kess, "I am extremely excited to for the opportunity to lead this program. It is a dream come true. I want to thank the administration for the opportunity and confidence they have in me. I want to thank the coaches who've poured into me including Coach Westerlund who gave me an opportunity at GLCC. I am excited to build off his foundation. I'm grateful for my family. Without their support this wouldn't be possible. I can't wait to pour into my guys' lives and continue to build this program the right way."
Joining Coach Kess as Assistant Coach is GLCC alumnus and four-time NCCAA All-American Isiah Reed. During his playing career, Reed amassed 2294 points, making 3 national tournament appearances. As teammates during the 2019-2020 season, Reed and Kess were first and second in scoring combining for 814 points in 30 games. Just as they left their marks on the program as players, Kess and Reed are expected to impact the program as a coaches.
The Crusaders will begin the 2023-2024 season on Friday, November 3 at 7:00 p.m. with their home opener against NCCAA opponent Boyce College.
For more information contact Director of Athletics Sam Sibilski at 517-321-0242 or ssibilski@glcc.edu.