Ohio Northern University is set to embark on a new era for its men's basketball program as Jon Tropf steps into the role of head coach. This transition follows the departure of Neal Young, who has decided to pursue a career in financial advising after revitalizing the Polar Bears' basketball team over the past three years. Under Young’s guidance, the program achieved back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2018. University leadership expressed gratitude for Young’s contributions and excitement about Tropf’s potential to sustain the program's upward trajectory. With deep ties to the region and extensive coaching experience, Tropf aims to uphold the values that define ONU athletics.
Neal Young's tenure at Ohio Northern University marked a period of significant growth for the men's basketball program. During his three-year stint, he transformed the Polar Bears into a competitive force, guiding them through consecutive successful seasons—a feat not seen since 2018. However, Young made the difficult decision to step down from his position as head coach, prioritizing family commitments and embarking on a new professional journey as a financial advisor. His legacy remains etched within the program, having reinvigorated both its athletic performance and cultural ethos.
The university administration, led by President Melissa Baumann and Athletic Director Tom Simmons, voiced their appreciation for Young's dedication and praised his efforts in elevating the basketball program. They emphasized the importance of maintaining continuity and stability during this leadership change. To ensure seamless progression, they selected Jon Tropf, an assistant coach with intimate knowledge of the program, to take the reins. Tropf brings not only previous head coaching experience but also a profound understanding of the values cherished at ONU.
Tropf's journey in collegiate coaching spans over a decade, beginning at Oakland University where he served as an assistant coach. Subsequently, he spent eight years at Goshen College in Indiana, including five as the head coach. During his tenure at Goshen, Tropf achieved remarkable milestones, such as defeating highly ranked teams and leading one of the highest-scoring squads in league history. His ability to develop players capable of transitioning to professional careers underscores his expertise and vision for nurturing talent.
With roots firmly planted in Northwest Ohio, Tropf views his appointment as a dream come true. He appreciates the strong work ethic embedded in the community and aligns it closely with the principles of Polar Bear Basketball. Expressing gratitude to Neal Young for providing him the opportunity to join the ONU staff and acknowledging the trust placed in him by President Baumann and Athletic Director Simmons, Tropf is resolute in continuing the program’s momentum. As he begins his new chapter, he is supported by his family—his wife Stef, son Nico, and daughter Riyah—who share in this exciting venture.
Moving forward, Ohio Northern University anticipates a bright future under Jon Tropf's leadership. The combination of his local connections, proven track record, and commitment to upholding the university's core values positions the men's basketball program for continued success both on and off the court. The transition promises to be smooth yet dynamic, ensuring that the achievements established under Neal Young will flourish under Tropf's direction.