Brooks McKowen leaving Upper Iowa men’s basketball program for job at Missouri West

CEDAR RAPIDS - Upper Iowa University announced Tuesday that head men’s basketball coach Brooks McKowen has stepped down from his position to become head coach at fellow NCAA Division II school Missouri Western.

A Fairbank native who played college basketball at Northern Iowa, McKowen spent 12 seasons in Fayette and is the program’s all-time winningest coach (209). He led Upper Iowa to three NCAA tournaments, developed three all-American players, nine first-team all-conference players and three conference players of the year.

That includes the past two seasons. Former Central City prep Nick Reid was this season’s Great Lakes Valley Conference POY, former North Linn prep Jake Hilmer last season’s.

Hilmer now plays professionally in Europe.

“I want to express my sincere appreciation to Upper Iowa, the athletic department, and to all the players I had the privilege to coach," McKowen said in a press release. "This is a special place to my family and me, and it was an honor to be a part of this community for the last 12 years. We are excited for what the future holds for us and this team."

Upper Iowa had a 21-9 record this past season.

"I'm so happy for Brooks and his family as they embark on this new chapter at Missouri Western," said Upper Iowa athletics director Rick Hartzell in a press release. "I've known Brooks since he was 16, and it's been incredible to watch him grow, from his time playing at UNI to his work as a coach at Upper Iowa.

“He's accomplished a lot, and while we are sad to see him go, this is an exciting opportunity for his continued growth as a coach, husband, and father. We'll focus on finding the right head coach to continue the success Brooks has helped build. We are poised to take this program to the next level of excellence, and we have Brooks and his past and current players to thank for that."

McKowen’s nephew, Trey, announced Tuesday he has decided to enter the transfer portal. Trey McKowen is a first-team all-state guard from Cedar Rapids Kennedy who had signed with Upper Iowa.

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