06/01/2026
I want to thank Northeastern Junior College for giving me the opportunity and honor of serving as the men’s basketball coach for the past 20 years.
I have been blessed to coach some of the best basketball players in the country during my tenure here. Over the course of my career at NJC, I had the privilege of coaching more than 30 All-Region players, seven NJCAA All-Americans, and more than 30 players who went on to play professional basketball overseas. I was also fortunate to be the head coach for three of the five 30-win seasons in the history of Northeastern Junior College men’s basketball. Those accomplishments are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and character of the young men who came through our program.
I was fortunate to coach seven NJCAA All-Americans who were leaders both on and off the court: Omar Leary, who went on to play at the University of Oklahoma; Troy Smith, who played at Morgan State University; Alexander Garcia Mendoza, who played at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock; Widgett Washington, who continued his career at Central Missouri; Will Bell, who played at Colorado State University; Bronson Moton, who played at Colorado State University Pueblo and later returned to NJC as my assistant coach for five years before becoming the head women’s basketball coach at Northeastern Junior College; and Dalton Knecht, who played at the University of Northern Colorado and the University of Tennessee before being selected 17th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers.
Every player who came through our program has left a lasting impression on me and my family. Not every season was a championship season, but every year taught me more about myself and about the incredible young men I was fortunate enough to coach. When I look back, I realize I had the privilege of coaching more than 280 players. I am honored to call every one of them “my boys.”
While I am proud of what many of our players accomplished on the basketball court, I am even more proud of what they have achieved in the classroom and in life. Throughout my 20 years at NJC, approximately 95% of our players graduated from Northeastern Junior College. That accomplishment speaks to the commitment of our student-athletes, the support of our faculty and staff, and the culture we worked hard to build within our program.
The young men I coached have gone on to become teachers, coaches, doctors, engineers, business owners, entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and leaders in their communities. Watching them grow into successful husbands, fathers, professionals, and role models has been one of the greatest rewards of my career. The wins and championships were special, but seeing these young men build successful lives has always meant the most.
Northeastern Junior College has also been a huge part of my family’s life. My daughter, Faith, played volleyball at NJC for Coach Mackenzie Nelson and Coach Taylor Burns. During her time here, she helped lead the program to two National Tournament appearances. My son, Deacon, played baseball at Northeastern. During his season here, I had the opportunity to watch him help win a Region IX Championship under Coach Andrew Kachel and then compete in the district tournament in Salt Lake City.
My wife, Catheryne, serves as the Director of Academic Support Services at NJC, but her impact on our program has gone far beyond her job title. Over the years, she has become a second mother to many of our players. She has helped guide their academic careers, encouraged them through challenges, celebrated their successes, and supported them as they navigated life away from the basketball court. Countless players and families have been touched by her compassion, wisdom, and willingness to help whenever needed. Our program would not have been what it was without her love and dedication to our student-athletes.
Our middle son, Zavier, hopes to one day play basketball at NJC after he finishes high school. He has spent much of his childhood in the NJC gym, rebounding basketballs, running the halls, and cheering on the Plainsmen. Our youngest son, Archer, has essentially been raised in the gym at Northeastern Junior College. He loves coming to work with us, spending time in the gym, and playing at NJC whenever he can. Northeastern Junior College has truly become a second home for our family.
I love Northeastern Junior College, and I have loved the last 20 years leading this program. However, after another successful season this past year, I felt it was time for a new challenge and a new opportunity to serve the institution that has meant so much to me and my family.
I am excited to announce that I will be taking over the Athletic Director duties at Northeastern Junior College, succeeding one of my closest friends, Marci Henry. Marci and I have worked together for the past 20 years as coaches, and I also had the privilege of serving under her as Assistant Athletic Director. I am incredibly grateful for her friendship, leadership, and mentorship over the years. She has done an outstanding job leading our athletic department, and I am honored to continue building on the foundation she established. I am excited for this opportunity and look forward to helping NJC continue to grow and succeed in a different capacity.
To the NJC fans, thank you. Your support has meant more to me than words can express. Some years didn’t turn out exactly the way any of us hoped, but those challenges made the successful seasons even more special. To everyone who packed the gym during both the good times and the difficult times, thank you for your loyalty, encouragement, and love. I truly mean that.
Thank you to the players, assistant coaches, faculty, staff, administration, alumni, and community members who have supported me throughout this incredible journey. Thank you to every parent who trusted me with their son. Thank you to every player who wore a Plainsmen jersey and represented this college with pride. You have all helped shape my life in ways you may never fully understand.
The memories, relationships, and experiences from the last 20 years will stay with me forever. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to represent Northeastern Junior College and to coach the young men who entrusted me with a small part of their journey.
While my role is changing, my love for Northeastern Junior College remains the same. I look forward to supporting our student-athletes, coaches, and programs in this new position and helping NJC continue its tradition of excellence.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this incredible institution and community.
Coach Trenkle
Northeastern JC
