Jim Zeleznak and St. Mary’s basketball coaching history

The St. Mary's men's basketball coaching staff including head coach Jim Zeleznak. - photo by Joe Alexander
The St. Mary’s men’s basketball coaching staff including head coach Jim Zeleznak. – photo by Joe Alexander
It was 23 seasons ago that St. Mary’s won the NAIA men’s basketball national championship.

Longtime head coach Buddy Meyer was at the Rattlers’ helm and Jim Zeleznak was the top assistant coach when they claimed the 1989 championship trophy in Kansas City. Both were former St. Mary’s players. Meyer had been a member of the Rattlers’ first team to reach the national tournament.

All these years later, the St. Mary’s coaching staff has a familar look.

Zeleznak is in his 17th season as the Rattlers’ head coach, having taken over when Meyer retired after 27 years.

Meyer’s son Bubba, who played for his father at St. Mary’s, is in his 21st season as the team’s assistant coach.

And Monday, when St. Mary’s made the short road trip to the north side of San Antonio to play UTSA, Buddy Meyer was in the stands right behind the Rattlers’ bench.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *