Now rewind about 25 years. Coach Koz is a contributing player on the University of Minnesota basketball team, and a full time student. Koz has always known that he has wanted to be a coach and that this is the game he loves. During the interview, he showed so much excitement when talking about his players and the game that I kept wondering, has this guy really been doing this for over twenty years?

Before coming here he was an assistant at the University of Minnesota for eight years and an assistant at Golden Valley Junior College for five years before that. Many things became clear as our conversation progressed, one of those was that Coach Koz loves his players and that he is truly excited about the possibilities for this season.

The Oles had a difficult season last year. "We went with a youthful lineup, starting three freshman, it was a learning experience," he said. Coach Koz said he "expects improvement this year" and with five returning starters, things are looking optimistic.

When asked about who his key players are going to be for this season, Coach Koz responded with a little jolt of excitement and then proceeded to meticulously go through each player, devoting time to what each of them will do for the team. He started with his senior captains Ryan Olson and Hallie Williams, junior Matt Hofkens, who received All Conference honors last year, averaging 16 ppg and 4.5 rpg. Sophomore Kevin Jaunich will be another key contributer.

Listening to Coach Koz talk about this team and this school I wondered why he was so happy to be coaching here. At the U of M he was paving his way to becoming a recognizable face on the national college scene, but instead, he chose to come to St. Olaf. Then he made it all very clear in one breath,

"You know, I love this school," he said. "Everyday I walk in here with a smile on my face, because I am coaching Division III basketball which is what college ball is supposed to be. These guys aren't here on athletic scholarships, they are just here playing a game they love."

It was clear from his comment that Coach Koz wanted an atmosphere where his love affair with basketball could be shared with players who felt the same way.

Coach Koz says the team will promote an "up tempo" style this year, stating that "We need to find a way to score about ten extra points a game." One thing that he focused on was the need for the team to stay healthy. Last year's difficulties were magnified by the fact that many key players were injured for large chunks of the season.

Off the court, Coach Koz likes to fish. He has been married for 12 years. He loves coaching youth basketball in the summer. Although these few personal tidbits came out in the interview, he found the most interest in talking to me about the team.

As the interview came full circle and I packed up to go, he said "Do me a favor: I know this article is a spotlight, but if you could try to focus on the guys and the team as a whole I would appreciate it."

I had a smile on my face as I walked out of Skoglund and I thought about how lucky we are to have teachers and coaches like Coach Koz, who comes into work everyday smiling and excited to be here.

Coach Koz said "These guys are just here playing a game they love." Nothing more nothing less. Walking out I realized that the only reason that Coach Koz is here is because he is coaching the game he loves, pure and simple.