Todd Ellerbusch - Program Director/Coach
Todd founded the program in 2013 and has served as the director and a coach each year. Todd coached the 2018 17U team that finished with a 32-9 record and number 8 ranking in the state by Prep Hoops Minnesota. In 2019, Todd coached a 15U team to a 25-6 record and number 6 ranking in the state by Prep Hoops Minnesota.
Todd graduated from Faribault BA High School where he was a standout basketball and baseball player receiving All-Conference honors in both sports. He later graduated from Mankato State University with a Bachelor's degree and St. Catherine's University with a Master's Degree. Todd has coached basketball for 30 years at the youth to Varsity levels where he has coached over 1000 games. He has worked at numerous basketball camps during this time. Todd has also taught Social Studies for 28 years. He currently teaches 7th grade Social Studies at Friedell Middle School in the Rochester Public School District.
Todd founded the program in 2013 and has served as the director and a coach each year. Todd coached the 2018 17U team that finished with a 32-9 record and number 8 ranking in the state by Prep Hoops Minnesota. In 2019, Todd coached a 15U team to a 25-6 record and number 6 ranking in the state by Prep Hoops Minnesota.
Todd graduated from Faribault BA High School where he was a standout basketball and baseball player receiving All-Conference honors in both sports. He later graduated from Mankato State University with a Bachelor's degree and St. Catherine's University with a Master's Degree. Todd has coached basketball for 30 years at the youth to Varsity levels where he has coached over 1000 games. He has worked at numerous basketball camps during this time. Todd has also taught Social Studies for 28 years. He currently teaches 7th grade Social Studies at Friedell Middle School in the Rochester Public School District.
Lucas Ellerbusch - Assistant Director/Coach
Lucas is in his fifth year coaching for the MN Lightning serving as an assistant each year. He played for the original “SE MN” Lightning team in 2013 and played through his 17U season. He founded the program with his father in 2013 and continues to assist with directing, recruiting, and coaching duties for the Lightning. Lucas was the assistant coach for the 17U team that finished the 2018 season with a 32-9 record and a number 8 ranking in the state by Prep Hoops Minnesota. He was also an assistant coach for the 15U team that finished the 2019 season with a 25-6 record and a number 6 ranking.
Lucas graduated from Rochester Mayo High School in 2016 where he was a 3 year varsity letter winner and 3 time academic all-conference selection. In his senior year, he served as a team captain and was awarded offensive player of the year by his team. He currently attends North Central University in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he is finishing up his degree. Lucas played 3 years of college basketball including 1 year at Crown College and 2 years at NCU. He was awarded NCU newcomer player of the year his sophomore season and has been a three time academic all-conference selection. He will be graduating in May 2020 from NCU and will continue to have an active role in the Lightning program after graduation.
Lucas is in his fifth year coaching for the MN Lightning serving as an assistant each year. He played for the original “SE MN” Lightning team in 2013 and played through his 17U season. He founded the program with his father in 2013 and continues to assist with directing, recruiting, and coaching duties for the Lightning. Lucas was the assistant coach for the 17U team that finished the 2018 season with a 32-9 record and a number 8 ranking in the state by Prep Hoops Minnesota. He was also an assistant coach for the 15U team that finished the 2019 season with a 25-6 record and a number 6 ranking.
Lucas graduated from Rochester Mayo High School in 2016 where he was a 3 year varsity letter winner and 3 time academic all-conference selection. In his senior year, he served as a team captain and was awarded offensive player of the year by his team. He currently attends North Central University in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he is finishing up his degree. Lucas played 3 years of college basketball including 1 year at Crown College and 2 years at NCU. He was awarded NCU newcomer player of the year his sophomore season and has been a three time academic all-conference selection. He will be graduating in May 2020 from NCU and will continue to have an active role in the Lightning program after graduation.
Garrett Studer - Assistant Director/Coach
Garrett is currently in his 3rd year coaching with the MN Lightning program. He played for the original "SE MN" Lightning team in 2013 and played through his 17U season with the team. He then stayed on board with the program afterwards, originally assisting with recruiting. In 2018, he had his first season coaching one of the Lightning teams. His 15U team finished that season ranked 11th in the state of Minnesota by Prep Hoops, while compiling a 32-9 record. He then stayed with the same group for their 16U season the next year in 2019. He continues to hold recruiting, coaching, and assistant management duties for the Lightning program.
Garrett graduated from Dover-Eyota High School in 2016 where he was a 4 year varsity letter-winner in basketball and a First Team All-Conference selection his senior year. He then went on to receive Bachelor's degrees in Finance and Commercial Real Estate from the University of Northern Iowa, where he graduated in December of 2019. He currently resides in the Twin Cities area where he works in commercial real estate lending for a regional bank.
Garrett is currently in his 3rd year coaching with the MN Lightning program. He played for the original "SE MN" Lightning team in 2013 and played through his 17U season with the team. He then stayed on board with the program afterwards, originally assisting with recruiting. In 2018, he had his first season coaching one of the Lightning teams. His 15U team finished that season ranked 11th in the state of Minnesota by Prep Hoops, while compiling a 32-9 record. He then stayed with the same group for their 16U season the next year in 2019. He continues to hold recruiting, coaching, and assistant management duties for the Lightning program.
Garrett graduated from Dover-Eyota High School in 2016 where he was a 4 year varsity letter-winner in basketball and a First Team All-Conference selection his senior year. He then went on to receive Bachelor's degrees in Finance and Commercial Real Estate from the University of Northern Iowa, where he graduated in December of 2019. He currently resides in the Twin Cities area where he works in commercial real estate lending for a regional bank.
Will Swiggum - Trainer/Coach
Will is entering his third season coaching for the Lightning. He has coached at the 16U level in his first two years with the program. Will is an established basketball trainer in the southeast Minnesota area and is a great teacher of the game. He has helped many players in the program improve their skills tremendously.
Will graduated from St. Charles High School in 2012 where he was a standout player for the Saints. He then went on to play college basketball at Saint Mary’s in Winona, MN for the next 4 years. While playing for the Cardinals he was awarded MIAC All-First Year team as well as Honorable Mention All-MIAC both his Sophomore and Seniors seasons. He is now an assistant coach with the Saint Mary's men's basketball team. Will currently lives in Rochester, MN and runs the Will Over Skill training in which he trains many athletes in Southeastern Minnesota.
Will is entering his third season coaching for the Lightning. He has coached at the 16U level in his first two years with the program. Will is an established basketball trainer in the southeast Minnesota area and is a great teacher of the game. He has helped many players in the program improve their skills tremendously.
Will graduated from St. Charles High School in 2012 where he was a standout player for the Saints. He then went on to play college basketball at Saint Mary’s in Winona, MN for the next 4 years. While playing for the Cardinals he was awarded MIAC All-First Year team as well as Honorable Mention All-MIAC both his Sophomore and Seniors seasons. He is now an assistant coach with the Saint Mary's men's basketball team. Will currently lives in Rochester, MN and runs the Will Over Skill training in which he trains many athletes in Southeastern Minnesota.
Spencer Ellerbusch - Coach
Spencer has been a coach in the Lightning program since 2015. He has coached at age levels ranging from 14U-17U. This season Spencer will be coaching one of the three 16U teams. He has 8 years of coaching experience at the youth-JV levels. Spencer has coached at Faribault BA, Stewartville, Wabasha Kellogg, and Austin. He has worked at various basketball camps such as the KAT camp and was the Director of Basketball Activities at Camp Dearborn. Spencer is currently finishing his degree in Physical/Health Education at Concordia-St. Paul.
Spencer has been a coach in the Lightning program since 2015. He has coached at age levels ranging from 14U-17U. This season Spencer will be coaching one of the three 16U teams. He has 8 years of coaching experience at the youth-JV levels. Spencer has coached at Faribault BA, Stewartville, Wabasha Kellogg, and Austin. He has worked at various basketball camps such as the KAT camp and was the Director of Basketball Activities at Camp Dearborn. Spencer is currently finishing his degree in Physical/Health Education at Concordia-St. Paul.
Zach Hinrichs - Coach
Zach is back for his second season coaching for the Minnesota Lightning. He spent his first season coaching one of the four 17u teams the Lightning had in 2019. He will continue coaching at the 17U level this season. He got his start with basketball as a player, where he was an all-conference and all-area player at Lake City until he graduated high school in 2012. He then went on to play at Riverland Community College in Austin, MN and Saint Mary’s University in Winona, MN.
He began coaching in 2015 at the elementary school level. In 2016 -2017 he was the 9th grade boys coach for Winona Cotter. From 2017-2019 he was the Head Girls Varsity Basketball coach for Wabasha-Kellogg High School. He currently is an assistant men’s and women’s coach at Riverland Community College in Austin and also teaches in the Lyle-Pacelli School District.
Zach is back for his second season coaching for the Minnesota Lightning. He spent his first season coaching one of the four 17u teams the Lightning had in 2019. He will continue coaching at the 17U level this season. He got his start with basketball as a player, where he was an all-conference and all-area player at Lake City until he graduated high school in 2012. He then went on to play at Riverland Community College in Austin, MN and Saint Mary’s University in Winona, MN.
He began coaching in 2015 at the elementary school level. In 2016 -2017 he was the 9th grade boys coach for Winona Cotter. From 2017-2019 he was the Head Girls Varsity Basketball coach for Wabasha-Kellogg High School. He currently is an assistant men’s and women’s coach at Riverland Community College in Austin and also teaches in the Lyle-Pacelli School District.
Jason Herber - Coach
This will be Jason's first year coaching for the Lightning. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the program. He has 14 years of experience as a varsity head coach including 6 years at Leroy, 4 years at Elgin Millville, and 4 years at P-E-M, which is where he coaches currently. Jason was also the assistant coach on the 2012 state title team at P-E-M. He has many years of AAU and youth basketball coaching experience as well.
Jason has a degree from Winona State University and currently works as the General Manager at Odyssey Theatres Inc. He lives in Plainview with his two sons. His love and passion is coaching the game of basketball and one way or another he coaches year round. He also loves to golf and spend time with family and friends when he isn't coaching basketball.
This will be Jason's first year coaching for the Lightning. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the program. He has 14 years of experience as a varsity head coach including 6 years at Leroy, 4 years at Elgin Millville, and 4 years at P-E-M, which is where he coaches currently. Jason was also the assistant coach on the 2012 state title team at P-E-M. He has many years of AAU and youth basketball coaching experience as well.
Jason has a degree from Winona State University and currently works as the General Manager at Odyssey Theatres Inc. He lives in Plainview with his two sons. His love and passion is coaching the game of basketball and one way or another he coaches year round. He also loves to golf and spend time with family and friends when he isn't coaching basketball.
Parker Lyga - Coach
Parker will be entering his first year coaching with the Lightning. Parker currently coaches the Austin 9A basketball team. He has also coached 2 years of junior high at Cochrane Fountain City and 1 year of 9th grade at La Crescent. In high school, Parker was a 3 year varsity starter for Cochrane Fountain City. He was 1st team All-Conference both his junior and senior seasons as well as all-region and all-area his senior year. He was also selected to play in the WBCA All-Star game which made him considered as a top 20 player in his division.
Parker began his collegiate career at Western Tech where he played 2 years of college basketball. He then transferred to Winona State as a student and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. Parker currently teaches 4th grade at Hayfield Elementary and serves as an assistant varsity football coach at the school. Parker lives in Austin and enjoys playing softball in the summer.
Parker will be entering his first year coaching with the Lightning. Parker currently coaches the Austin 9A basketball team. He has also coached 2 years of junior high at Cochrane Fountain City and 1 year of 9th grade at La Crescent. In high school, Parker was a 3 year varsity starter for Cochrane Fountain City. He was 1st team All-Conference both his junior and senior seasons as well as all-region and all-area his senior year. He was also selected to play in the WBCA All-Star game which made him considered as a top 20 player in his division.
Parker began his collegiate career at Western Tech where he played 2 years of college basketball. He then transferred to Winona State as a student and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. Parker currently teaches 4th grade at Hayfield Elementary and serves as an assistant varsity football coach at the school. Parker lives in Austin and enjoys playing softball in the summer.
Aaron Timm - Coach
Aaron will be entering his first year of coaching with the Lightning. Aaron is currently the Director of Basketball Operations for Minnesota State Mankato’s Men’s basketball and is a Volunteer Assistant for the MSU Women’s Basketball team. In his time at MSU, the team has made 2 NCAA tournament appearances and he has coached the Newcomer and Freshman of the Year in the NSIC. Along with 4 years of experience at the collegiate level, Aaron was the team manager for Mayo High School’s basketball team from 2015 to 2016.
Aaron graduated from MSU in the fall of 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management and is starting a graduate degree in Sports Management in the fall of 2020. He also worked 2 summers for the Mankato Moondogs as the Video Operations Director. Aaron currently lives in Mankato and enjoys going to sporting events and concerts as well as spending time with friends and family.
Aaron will be entering his first year of coaching with the Lightning. Aaron is currently the Director of Basketball Operations for Minnesota State Mankato’s Men’s basketball and is a Volunteer Assistant for the MSU Women’s Basketball team. In his time at MSU, the team has made 2 NCAA tournament appearances and he has coached the Newcomer and Freshman of the Year in the NSIC. Along with 4 years of experience at the collegiate level, Aaron was the team manager for Mayo High School’s basketball team from 2015 to 2016.
Aaron graduated from MSU in the fall of 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management and is starting a graduate degree in Sports Management in the fall of 2020. He also worked 2 summers for the Mankato Moondogs as the Video Operations Director. Aaron currently lives in Mankato and enjoys going to sporting events and concerts as well as spending time with friends and family.
Spencer Dahl - Coach
Spencer will be entering his first year coaching for the Lightning. He will be coaching one of the 13U teams this season. He is currently the junior varsity and varsity assistant boys basketball coach at Albert Lea High School. In his time at Albert Lea, he has coached four years of basketball and has also been the junior varsity and varsity assistant girls soccer coach for 5 years.
He started his coaching career as a senior in high school where he helped the team under coach Matt Addington. Spencer has a health and physical education degree from St. Cloud State University. He was also a practice player for the girls basketball team at SCSU. Spencer currently lives in Albert Lea where he is the Head Groundskeeper for Albert Lea High School.
Spencer will be entering his first year coaching for the Lightning. He will be coaching one of the 13U teams this season. He is currently the junior varsity and varsity assistant boys basketball coach at Albert Lea High School. In his time at Albert Lea, he has coached four years of basketball and has also been the junior varsity and varsity assistant girls soccer coach for 5 years.
He started his coaching career as a senior in high school where he helped the team under coach Matt Addington. Spencer has a health and physical education degree from St. Cloud State University. He was also a practice player for the girls basketball team at SCSU. Spencer currently lives in Albert Lea where he is the Head Groundskeeper for Albert Lea High School.
Jamaal Gibson - Coach
Jamaal will be in his 2nd season as part of the MN Lightning program. In his first year, he was head coach of the 14u team that finished 11th overall in the power score rankings in the Hard Work Region of the Prep Hoops Circuit. He has been coaching basketball since 2013 where he started as a youth coach. He has been a high school coach at Austin High School since 2015 and currently serves as the head coach of the 10th grade team for the Packers. Jamaal lives in Austin, MN where he works as a Property Manager for Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
Jamaal will be in his 2nd season as part of the MN Lightning program. In his first year, he was head coach of the 14u team that finished 11th overall in the power score rankings in the Hard Work Region of the Prep Hoops Circuit. He has been coaching basketball since 2013 where he started as a youth coach. He has been a high school coach at Austin High School since 2015 and currently serves as the head coach of the 10th grade team for the Packers. Jamaal lives in Austin, MN where he works as a Property Manager for Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
Randy King - Coach
This will be Randy’s first year coaching for the Lightning, and he will spend it coaching one of the 13U teams. He currently coaches youth basketball for Caledonia. He has coached basketball, football, and baseball in Caledonia for many years. Randy graduated from Winona State with a degree in Business Administration. He currently lives in Caledonia with his family and works as a self-employed contractor.
This will be Randy’s first year coaching for the Lightning, and he will spend it coaching one of the 13U teams. He currently coaches youth basketball for Caledonia. He has coached basketball, football, and baseball in Caledonia for many years. Randy graduated from Winona State with a degree in Business Administration. He currently lives in Caledonia with his family and works as a self-employed contractor.
Nate Emge - Coach
Nate is excited for his first year coaching for the MN Lightning. He will be coaching one of the 15U teams this season. He has coached the Faribault boys 9th grade team and played AAU for MN Fury in the past. Nate graduated from Faribault high school in 2014 where he finished his career with 1266 points in 4 years of varsity. He then went on to play one year of college basketball at Riverland Community College. Nate currently lives in Northfield and works at the Hampton Inn in the South metro. He has a great passion for the game of basketball and brings first hand experience from playing on the AAU circuit.
Nate is excited for his first year coaching for the MN Lightning. He will be coaching one of the 15U teams this season. He has coached the Faribault boys 9th grade team and played AAU for MN Fury in the past. Nate graduated from Faribault high school in 2014 where he finished his career with 1266 points in 4 years of varsity. He then went on to play one year of college basketball at Riverland Community College. Nate currently lives in Northfield and works at the Hampton Inn in the South metro. He has a great passion for the game of basketball and brings first hand experience from playing on the AAU circuit.
Ben Oevering - Coach
This will be Ben’s first year coaching for the Lightning, and he will spend it with one of the 14U teams. Ben graduated from Lewiston-Altura high school in 2019 where he was a standout basketball and football player. He was a 3 year starter for the Cardinals varsity basketball team. After graduating high school, Ben went on to play football at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, MN, where he just completed his freshman year.
This will be Ben’s first year coaching for the Lightning, and he will spend it with one of the 14U teams. Ben graduated from Lewiston-Altura high school in 2019 where he was a standout basketball and football player. He was a 3 year starter for the Cardinals varsity basketball team. After graduating high school, Ben went on to play football at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, MN, where he just completed his freshman year.
