:. Ravens Coaches

The Gernander File

Age: 59
Hometown: Duluth, Minnesota
Family: Scott and wife Bernie have six children: Marc, Lee (deceased), Bridget, Scott Robert, Andrea and Paige
High School: Denfeld High School All-state in football and basketball
College: University of Minnesota at Duluth Lettered in football and basketball Voted Outstanding Senior Athlete Masters degree from the University of Minnesota
High School Coaching Record:
9 years, 153-51
Raven Assistant Coach:
1980-87

Raven Head Coach: 1987-current, 520-119

• 1987-88 32-2 Conference champion
• 1988-89 36-4 3rd at NJCAA Tournament
• 1989-90 34-4 7th at NJCAA Tournament
• 1990-91 27-4 Conference Champion
• 1991-92 25-9 NJCAA Tournament qualifier
• 1992-93 24-6 Conference champion
• 1993-94 14-15 State Qualifier
• 1994-95 17-14 State Qualifier
• 1995-96 24-7 State Qualifier
• 1996-97 36-1 Runners-up national champion
• 1997-98 26-4 Conference champion
• 1998-99 25-7 Conference cochampion
• 1999-00 30-5 NJCAA Tournament qualifier
• 2000-01 30-6 NJCAA Tournament qualifier
• 2001-02 30-2 Conference Champion
• 2002-03 28-10 Runners-up national champion
• 2003-04 27-4 Conference champions
• 2004-05 31-3 Conference champions
• 2005-06 24-12 NJCAA Tournament qualifier

San Jacinto College Coaching Records:

Gernander -- 520 Wins, 8 National Berths

Entering his 20th season as head coach of the San Jacinto College men’s basketball program, Scott Gernander continues to pile up the accolades. The veteran made his eighth appearance at the national tournament.

With 520 wins entering the 2006-2007 season and a string of trips to nationals, Gernander knows there is more to the game than wins and losses. It is about having a solid program, about developing young men who will continue their successes both on and off the court after leaving San Jacinto College.

“Players have a dream of coming in and playing well enough to make their way to a Division I college,” Gernander said. “Certainly along the way we want to have some success, but we’re also looking to help guys improve so they can reach their goals. That is truly what it is all about.

”On the court, Gernander and the Ravens have managed to put together quite a resume. In 19 seasons, Gernander has twice played in the national title game. A year ago, the team went 1-2 in Hutchinson, Kansas as part of a hard-luck trip.

Gernander appreciates the success, because he understands how difficult the road to the championship can be.“Our league is so competitive, in fact it’s the toughest in the nation from top to bottom,” Gernander noted. “Every year these teams are gunning for us because we have a good track record.

”Gernander’s system must be working. Since he became head coach in 1987, more than 40 Ravens have advanced to the four-year college level to play. Two of those players—Sam Cassell and Steve Francis—have played in the NBA. Others have enjoyed fine pro careers overseas.

Closer to home, Gernander has also seen how the game of basketball has influenced the rest of his family. Two of his six children, Marc and Scott Robert, are now basketball coaches. Marc is a freshman level coach at Clear Lake High School, while Scott Robert, who played for the Ravens, is a graduate assistant at Sam Houston State University.

“It has been a lot of fun for me and my family,” Gernander remarked. “Our kids were basically raised on campus. Along the way they have given me plenty of support. Whether I am coaching a game, scouting an opponent or recruiting a player, I am away from home quite a bit. My family has always been supportive. That support has helped us build the kind of success we have had.”

Horstman Highlights

Age: 45
Hometown: Waco, Texas
Family: Scott has two daughters, Amanda and Lindsey
High School: Midway High School All-state in basketball and baseball
College: Sam Houston State University Four-year basketball letterman Masters degree from the University of Texas at Tyler
Sam Houston State University records held: Most assists/game, 18 (Dallas Baptist University, 1983-84) Most assists/season, 241 (1983-84) Most assists/career, 813
Junior College Coaching History: Tyler Junior College assistant, 1985-86 Howard College assistant, 1986-87 San Jacinto College, 1987-current  

Team Trainer
Certified Athletic Trainer

Shane Caron, C.A.T., is in his fifth season with the Ravens as the team’s athletic trainer. A staff member, employed by San Jacinto College, Caron is a 1996 graduate of the University of South Alabama.

Horstman has 20 years as Raven Aide

He may not get credit for the wins or tournament appearances, but Scott Horstman has played a huge role in the success of the San Jacinto College men’s basketball program over the past 19 seasons.

Named the assistant coach in 1987 when Scott Gernander took over the leadership role, Horstman has been around for 520 wins and eight national tournament appearances. Although Gernander and Horstman like to joke that Horstman also gets credit for the team’s 119 losses over that span, there’s no kidding about Horstman’s work at San Jacinto College.

“Scott has been a tremendous coach to work with,” Gernander commented. “We know the type of players we like to have in the program, and Scott does a great job of getting out, doing his work, and getting us the top talent.”

For many years San Jacinto College has been one of the frontrunners in getting the top players from not only Texas but from across the nation. San Jacinto’s winning track record certainly plays a part, but Horstman feels he and Gernander have also been good at selling the benefits of playing for the Ravens.

“We have had a lot of success here, and the San Jacinto College name is recognized nation-wide. Aside from that, we can promise guys we are going to do everything we can to help them meet their goals. Once players are here, we work very hard as coaches to help them improve. We want to win as many games as we can here at San Jac, but we also have a job to help these men develop both as players and students.”