By Bobby Narang
Steve Christiansen is staying home.
Some what
The Hinckley-Big Rock High School graduate was named the new head coach of the Aurora University men’s basketball program March 17.
For Christiansen, it continues a long-standing tradition of coaching near his roots.
“I am honored to take the reins of such a storied basketball program. Aurora University has been part of my path since I was a basketball camper here decades ago,” Christiansen said. “I look forward to the challenge of restoring the luster this institution is used to having under such fine coaches like Don Holler and James Lancaster, who not only pushed the program to new heights but set the standard of success for AU basketball.”
After spending 17 seasons as the head coach at Triton College in River Grove, where he compiled a 443-111 record, including the 2018 NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) Division II national championship, Christiansen accepted an assistant coaching position at Northern Illinois University last season. Early in his career, after a short stint working under H-BR coach Bob Barnett, Christiansen spent three years at Northern Illinois, where he started his collegiate coaching career as the director of basketball operations under head coach Rob Judson.
“We are thrilled that Steve Christiansen has decided to join the AU community,” said Aurora University vice president for athletics Jim Hamad in a release. “I have gotten to know him well through the search and it is evident that he has the characteristics needed to lead young men and create a winning program that excels in all areas of higher education. AU has a rich history in men’s basketball and under Steve’s leadership, we are confident the program will return to a level that makes the University and alumni proud.”
The Spartans have built a tradition of winning, by collecting winning records in 27 of the last 29 seasons, including seven regular-season Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) championships in 16 seasons to go with six tournament championships. Christiansen, who played basketball at North Central College for two-plus seasons, is the 29th men’s basketball head coach in the 110-year history of the program, and fifth since 1980.
“I want to thank Aurora University president Dr. Rebecca Sherrick and her team along with our outstanding vice president for athletics, Jim Hamad, who was a major reason why I was interested in the job. Additionally, (thanks to) Northern Illinois University and in particular head coach Rashon Burno for giving me the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream of coaching at the Division I level. I want to thank my wonderful family and all my friends for their unconditional love and support throughout all the stops on my coaching journey,” Christiansen said. “This profession is all about helping you. Through your growth and achievement, you have provided me with a lifetime of happiness and countless memories. I look forward to writing many more of those chapters with the (Aurora) Spartans of today and tomorrow.”