Coaching Staff
Andy Ward — Men's Basketball Coach & Athletic Director
Coach Ward is in his 5th year at the helm for the Northwest College Trapper Men’s Basketball Team and in his 2nd year as the Athletic Director. In his 5 years, the Trappers have experienced success on the court and in the classroom. Several of his student athletes have received Regional and National honors through sport and academic achievement. Many of his student athletes have played or are currently playing at 4 year universities and colleges around the nation.
Coach Ward has 16 years of coaching experience at the intercollegiate level. He was the Head Coach at Eastern Wyoming College for 5 seasons from 2002-2007. He guided the Lancers to 3 Regional Championship games and 2 Regional Titles. In 2004 his Eastern Wyoming College team placed 8th at the NJCAA National Tournament- the best finish in school history! Coach Ward served as an Assistant Coach at Salt Lake Community College from 1998-2002 and at Eastern Wyoming College from 1996-1998.
He is originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico where he graduated from Evangel Temple Academy as the class Valedictorian. Coach Ward’s passion for the profession began with his experience as a student athlete at Eastern Wyoming College- he played 2 seasons under one of his mentors, Coach Bob Davis, and was named to the NJCAA All-American Team in 1992. He continued as a student athlete at NCAA Division I, Southern Utah University where he played for another one of his role models, Coach Bill Evans. As a senior captain, he was named as the team MVP. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from SUU and is currently working toward a master’s degree of science in athletic management.
Coach Ward and his wife Terri live in Powell and enjoy the wonderful opportunities available to the residents of the area. They love the outdoors and seeing “new things” and also enjoy spending time with friends and family.
Brian Erickson — Assistant Men's Basketball Coach
Brian begins his third season as the Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach at Northwest College and also works as an Admissions Representative. He joined Northwest College after playing 2 years of collegiate basketball at Eastern Wyoming College and 2 years at Montana State University-Northern. He was a part of two Region IX championship teams at Eastern Wyoming College, where they placed 8th at the NJCAA National Basketball Tournament.
He graduated with his Bachelor’s in Business from Montana State University-Northern and his Master’s in Sports Management from the United States Sports Academy. He is married to Callee (Fast) and has a 5 year old son, Gunnar, and a 3 year old daughter, Coy.
Coach Erickson has primary responsibilities with recruiting and student athlete skill/strength development. He also assists with student athlete academic progress and achievement goals.
Coach Ward on Brian: “Our basketball program is extremely fortunate to have Coach Erickson- he is passionate about the game and has a strong desire to assist our student athletes with their overall development as players, students, and people.”
Matthew Lengfelder — Assistant Men's Basketball Coach
Matthew enters his 4th season as a Volunteer Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach. He has a wealth of experience in the basketball world- working as a high school and college basketball official for 12 years while also working as the Executive Director and Coach for a high-level AAU basketball program in Seattle, WA. He is employed as the Program Director with Big Brothers Big Sisters in Powell, WY and assists with involving NWC student athletes in various community service projects. Matthew primarily assists with recruiting, individual skill development, and game day preparation. He and his wife Valarie have 4 children- Evan, Ciera, Landon & Grace.
Coach Ward on Matthew: “Coach Lengfelder brings a great deal of experience to our staff- he has a terrific basketball mind and devotes countless hours to assist our student athletes in achieving their goals! His work ethic has been a key ingredient to our success as a program.”
West Hernandez — Assistant Men's Basketball Coach
West is a Powell native and in his fifth year as a Volunteer Assistant Men's Basketball Coach. He graduated from Powell High School in 1998. He was a McDonald's All-American nominee in 1997-1998. He attended Northwest College and played basketball under Hall of Fame Coach, Ken Rochlitz from 1998-2000. He then transferred to the University of Montana Western and was on the basketball and golf team from 2000-2003. West graduated from UMW in 2003 with a Bachelors Degree in Business and Communication and is employed as Admissions Manager at Northwest College. He is married to Katie (Sheridan) and has two children, Landon and Emery.
West primarily assists with game day functions and academic advising.
Coach Ward on West: “Coach Hernandez has been very instrumental in our success- he has a great feel for the game and exhibits great pride for Northwest College and Trapper Basketball! It takes the effort of many people to develop a solid program and Coach Hernandez is always willing to give that extra effort where needed.”
Justin Reynolds — Student Manager
Justin enters his 2nd year as a Trapper. He played on the 2010-11 NWC Basketball Team and is now serving as our Student Assistant/Manager for the 2011-12 season. He is from Chicago, IL and is studying Psychology here at Northwest College while serving as a Resident Assistant in Simpson Hall. Justin primarily assists with daily practice operations and our game-video exchange program.
Coach Ward on Justin: “I have really enjoyed having Justin involved with our program. He has great rapport with our players and he’s always willing to help out with our day-to-day functions. He has a winning attitude- a quality that our entire staff absolutely loves about him!”
