Anoka, MN - The RCTC Yellowjackets won back to back games at the Anoka Ramsey Classic this weekend. The two wins gave Head Men's Basketball Coach Brian LaPlante 500 Career Wins!! The win came vs Bismarck State by the score of 83-75 on the second day of the tournament.
RCTC Director of Athletics Mike Lester said, "Congratulations to Coach Laplante and his team on this outstanding achievement. Brian is a dedicated and passionate educator, who gives 100% to help his men succeed. Perhaps even greater than his on-court accomplishments are the success stories of his student-athletes in the classroom, and in their life after RCTC. We couldn't be more proud to have Coach representing our team, athletic department, and college! 500 wins is a stunning achievement!"
Coach LaPlante is in his 26th year at the helm of the Yellowjackets and in that time has coached 62 All-Division, 44 All-State, and 20 All-Region players. In addition, Coach LaPlante has coached All-Americans Joseph Beck (2013), Charles Robinson (2014), Jumah'Ri Turner (2018), and Kong Kong (2020). Perhaps even more importantly, 64 student-athletes have gone on to compete at the four-year level over the past 25 seasons.
RCTC Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Teresa Brown stated "Coach LaPlante instills the value of hard work, dedication, responsibility, and integrity in his student athletes both on and off the court. He sets the bar high for his players but also provides the tools and support they need to reach his expectations. His unwavering commitment and devotion have propelled his players and teams to achieve great things!"
Coach LaPlante has been named District 4 Coach of the Year seven times, most recently in 2020, and his teams have advanced to the NJCAA National Tournament 7 times. The Jackets National Tournament appearances include: 2006-5th place, 2010-National 2nd place, 2011-National 2nd place, 2013 8th place, 2015 3rd place, 2016 National 2nd place, 2020 National Tournament semi-finalists. Under Coach LaPlante the Yellowjackets have won MCAC State Titles in 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2020. In 2021 the Yellowjackets moved to Division II due to COVID-19 and won the Division II Regional Title before falling in the District Championship game.
RCTC President Dr. Jeffery Boyd praised Coach LaPlante's accomplishment saying, "As Vince Lombardi said, 'Coaches who can outline plays on a blackboard are a dime a dozen. The one's who win get inside their players and motivate.' Congrats Coach LaPlante for reaching this milestone and making positive impacts in the lives of our young men, thank you!"
Former player, assistant coach, and current Head Women's Basketball Coach Jason Bonde said, "Brian is a great coach, great family man, and a great friend and mentor. He has worked hard to build his program to one of the best in the country. I am glad I was able to be a small part of that success. He has touched the lives of so many student/athletes. Congratulations Brian on 500 wins, I am so proud to not only have played for you but for you allowing me to sit by your side for so many years. I thank you for all you have done for the players who have walked through your door and for the many memories we have shared through this journey."
In addition to his role as head basketball coach at RCTC, Coach LaPlante has coached baseball, football, and golf, as well as serving as Athletic Director. Coach LaPlante is a graduate of Winona State University and earned a Master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. He and his wife Kristin have two children, Sean and Kendall.