TOPEKA (KSNT) – Topeka West High School has selected the successor to legendary Rick Bloomquist as the Chargers’ next boys basketball director.
Starting with the 2024-25 season, Christian Ursaker will be in charge of the program.
Ursaker joins Topeka West after five seasons leading Wabaunsee. Before staying in Alma, he made stops in rural Washburn, Hayden, Shawnee Heights, and more.
“I wanted to go back to Topeka. This is home to me,” Ursaker said. “I told all my friends…if I had a 501…” [school district] If ever there was a job open, it would be Topeka West. ”
Ursaker also sent a message to the Topeka West players and their families.
“It’s competitive, but it’s also understanding,” he said. “I would like to think that my background in specialized education gives me the opportunity to interact not only with players, but with people from different backgrounds…I want players to come to me regardless of their circumstances. , I want people to know that it doesn't have to be basketball to be relevant. “
Ursaker, a native of McPherson, Kansas, was named Mr. Kansas Basketball during his senior year of high school. He went on to play basketball at Washburn University, where he fell in love with the nation's capital.
“[Washburn] It's where I met my wife and where I was coached by the legendary Bob Chipman,” said Ulsaker. “It's always fun to go back to the game of football. My sister was an assistant at Washburn for five or six years.”
Ursaker said he understands the challenges involved in taking over the role of legendary coach Rick Bloomquist, who retired in March after 48 years as a mainstay of Kansas high school hoops. Ursaker has known Bloomquist since high school, when Bloomquist's Emporia team defeated Ursaker's McPherson team in the 5A state tournament.
“I enjoyed building a relationship with Coach Bloomquist,” Ulsaker said. “Just to get information, there's a great basketball head and he's always willing to help. That's what makes a legend, what makes a legend.”