William Woods University

Men's Basketball Coaching Staff

Drew Grzella - (573) 592-1624

Drew Grzella is entering his third season as the head coach at William Woods. He became the first head coach for the WWU men's basketball program when he was hired in November of 2006. The Owls notched their historic first victory on Nov. 20, 2007, at home versus Central Methodist University.

Grzella joined the Owls after spending two seasons as an assistant men's basketball coach at Iowa Wesleyan College. Grzella helped the Tigers to a 47-16 record. The team took two trips to the NAIA Division II National Tournament, and won the Midwest Classic Conference title in 2005-06 with a 25-7 mark. The Tigers were ranked in each of the season’s final 10 polls, reaching as high as 12th in the nation.

Before arriving at Iowa Wesleyan, Grzella pursued his master’s degree at the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, Kan., and served as a graduate assistant coach for the men’s basketball team from 2002-04. In two seasons at USM, he worked with all aspects of the program. He received his M.A. in psychology from Saint Mary in 2004.

Grzella played two seasons (1996-98) at Allen County Community College in Iola, Kan., before transferring to Columbia College in Columbia, Mo. Columbia went 23-8 during the 1998-99 season, ending the season with a loss in the second round of the NAIA Division I National Tournament. As a senior, Grzella helped guide Columbia to a 26-8 record and another trip to the National Tournament. He led the American Midwest Conference in free throw shooting, and earned the NAIA All-America Scholar Athlete Award.

Grzella was a student assistant coach at Columbia in 2000-01 while finishing his undergraduate degree. The team finished 29-4 and advanced to the second round of the National Tournament. Grzella received his B.A. in secondary education in 2001. He stayed at Columbia and assisted the team in the 2001-02. During his four seasons at Columbia, two playing and two coaching, the program sported a 104-28 record.

Grzella is married to his wife, Katie. They reside in New Bloomfield, Mo., with their daughter Ada.

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T.J. Eskildsen - (573) 592-1624

T.J. Eskildsen enters his second season as an assistant coach at William Woods University.

Eskildsen, a native of Davenport, Iowa, comes to William Woods from Iowa Wesleyan College. Coach Eskildsen played at Iowa Wesleyan and spent two seasons as a student assistant.

Prior to Iowa Wesleyan, Eskildsen spent his freshman season at Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois. Eskildsen played one year at Dominican as a starter.

Eskildsen is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Athletic/Activities Administration at William Woods.

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Blake Bauer - (573) 592-1624

Blake Bauer enters his first season as an assistant coach at William Woods University.

Bauer, a native of Peoria, Illinois, comes to William Woods from Iowa Wesleyan College. Coach Bauer played four seasons at Iowa Wesleyan. Bauer was a two-year starter, and a team captain. He was also a member of the 2005-06 team that advanced to the NAIA National Tournament.

Coach Bauer has a Bachelor's Degree in Sports Management from Iowa Wesleyan. He is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Athletic/Activities Administration at William Woods.