IRVINE, Calif. – Sometimes the waiting is the hardest part.

This past weekend, Concordia University Irvine men's basketball coach Ken Ammann received the prestigious Harry Statham Coach of Impact Award – an award he actually was chosen for back in April 2020.

The annual award is presented by Small College Basketball (SCB) and honors basketball head coaches at the small college level who have used the power of the coaching platform to make a positive impact on others.  In particular, the award highlights coaches that display high character and integrity while serving as excellent role models.

The award is named after NAIA Basketball Hall of Fame coach Harry Statham who won over 1,100 games at McKendree University in 52 seasons.  The presentation was going to be held last year but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I'm so glad I was able to go out there and be there in person," said Ammann. "Small College Basketball has a new documentary coming out on how small college basketball (programs) has influenced our society over the last 100 years with social change and it's great to be a part of that.  Some former NBA players and Olympians were in this class that was inducted and even Hall of Fame coaches like Jerry Sloan. It was cool to be a part of it."

"Harry Statham is one of the classiest coaches I've ever seen," continued Ammann. "We were fortunate enough to compete against each other in the NAIA Final Four in 2004 and he was such a great role model of how to win and lose with class.  To be chosen for an award with his name on it – it means a lot."

A former guard and alum of Stanford University and graduate of Edison High School in Orange County, Ammann has led Concordia to 486 wins in his two decades with the program.

CLICK HERE to read the original story release by Small College Basketball honoring Coach Ammann

Concordia has won at least 20 games in 16 of Ammann's first 20 seasons at the helm.  In addition to winning two NAIA National Championships (2003 and 2012), the Eagles also finished as the NAIA runner-up on two occasions under Ammann's leadership.  The Green and Gold recently made the NCAA DII West Regional Tournament for the first time in school history during the 2018-19 season and have earned multiple wins in the PacWest Conference Tournament since moving up from NAIA to NCAA Division II.

Coach Ammann and the Eagles begin a new campaign this Friday, Nov 12 with their home opener slated to start at 5 p.m. against The Master's University. CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets ahead of time!

It will be the first time CUI men's basketball will have fans in its own gym for a regular season contest in nearly 18 months!

The CUI student section has been renamed "Flight Club" and the first 100 fans that attend the tailgate Friday starting at 4 p.m. will receive a free Flight Club t-shirt!

Students can also sign up to play Knockout at halftime to win bonus points for their house in THE HUNT and the winning student will also get two coupons for a free meal to The Habit!  There will also be face paint available for students as well as posters.

CLICK HERE for the full CUI men's basketball schedule

In addition, the CUI men's basketball team will be home again on Saturday, Nov. 13 at 5 p.m. and will host Cal State Los Angeles as part of a four-team tournament this weekend. 

Biola will also play at 7 p.m. each night inside CU Arena following the first game against the other non-PacWest Conference opponent.

CLICK HERE to read more about how Coach Ammann was inspired by legendary coaches John Wooden and Harry Statham