|
Scott Moore
Head Coach
Scott Moore is set to begin his first season as the head coach of the storied Grace's men's basketball program. This will mark his eighth season as a coach at Grace, serving as an assistant coach for seven years under legendary head coach Jim Kessler before Kessler's retirement in 2019.
The Lancers experienced tremendous success with Moore on the sidelines. Grace won 20 games in four of Moore's season as an assistant coach. Additionally, the Lancers have been named an NAIA Scholar-Team every year (3.0 team GPA), including a few seasons as the top GPA in the Crossroads League.
Moore graduated from Columbia City High School, where he played basketball and tennis. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Grace in 2008 and finished his Master’s degree in physical education from Ball State University.
Moore played from 2004-08 on the Lancers’ basketball squad, ending his career No. 6 all-time in career assists. During his senior season, Moore’s Lancers finished 26-10 and made a run to the Elite Eight round of the NAIA National Championships.
His first year as an assistant coach for the Lancers’ basketball team in 2012-13 was a successful one. The Lancers advanced to the 2013 NAIA national semifinals – the second-longest run in the tournament in program history. In 2013-14 the Lancers advanced to the NCCAA Div. I national championship game. The Lancers reached the "Sweet Sixteen" round of the NAIA tournament in 2014-15 and finished third at the 2016 NCCAA National Championships.
For three years, Moore served as the head assistant coach at Mount Vernon Nazarene University under his brother, Matt Moore. During his short time at MVNU, Moore recruited two Top 40 players from Indiana, an All-State player from Michigan, as well as a number of Ohio All-State performers.
Moore helped develop a pair of 1,000-point scorers with the Cougars and was in charge of the offense and player development. During the 2010-11 campaign, MVNU ranked No. 6 in the NAIA for field goal percentage (48.4) and No. 12 for 3-point percentage (37.9).
After graduating from Grace, Moore decided to play professional basketball in Perth, Australia, for the Wanneroo Wolves of the State Basketball League. Alongside his twin brother Marcus, the Moore brothers led the Wolves to their best record in franchise history at the time. Scott ranked first in the league in steals and third in assists.
Outside of Australia, Moore has traveled and played basketball in numerous countries including China, New Zealand, Belize and Mexico.
Moore also experienced tremendous success as the head coach of Grace's women's tennis team for four years (2013-16). He climaxed in his final season, winning the 2016 Crossroads League Coach of the Year award after leading the Lady Lancers to an 11-5 record. That mark tied the mark for most wins in a season in program history at the time.
Moore got married in the summer of 2013 to his wife Bridget.
Jordan Weidner
Assistant Coach
Grace’s men’s basketball team is pleased to announce Jordan Weidner as the next assistant coach for the Lancers.
He will serve as the lead assistant under head coach Scott Moore, and Weidner will also be the Director of the Gordon Recreation Center.
Weidner is no stranger to the Crossroads League. He excelled as a guard for Indiana Wesleyan from 2010-14. He finished his career ranked third on the all-time scoring list with 2,224 points.
He climaxed his career by winning the NAIA national championship as a senior in 2014, being named the Most Outstanding Player in the process. He earned NAIA First Team All-American and Crossroads League Player of the Year honors as well in 2014.
“I’m excited to be a part of the Grace family. Grace College is a special place, and I am eager to see what God is going to do through the men’s basketball program,” Weidner said. “I can’t wait to build on the tradition and culture of this program with Coach Moore. My wife and I are very excited to be joining the Winona Lake community and look forward to making it home.”
Weidner continued his basketball career after IWU at the professional level. He was drafted No. 1 overall in the NBL Canada draft in 2014 by the Mississauga Power; he made the All-Rookie Team after his first season with the Power.
Weidner joined IWU’s coaching staff as a graduate assistant in 2017. He helped the Wildcats to two seasons with at least 30 wins, aiding IWU to an NAIA title in 2018.
Erik Bowen
Graduate Assistant
Erik Bowen is back for his second year on the sidelines for Grace's men's basketball team. Bowen is wrapping up his Graduate Assistant position on the Lancers' staff, learning under legendary Hall of Fame coach Jim Kessler as well as current head coach Scott Moore.
Bowen was an accomplished post player for Grace from 2014-18. He graduated with 1,468 career points, No. 26 in program history. He won a pair of All-Crossroads League honors during his career. The Lancers won 20 games twice during his playing career.
Bowen and his wife Sara (Miller) were married this past year.