Jesse Wukasch is entering his second season as an assistant coach on Joe Mazzulla's men's basketball staff at Fairmont State University. Wukasch arrived in Fairmont during the spring of 2017 after a successful three-year stint as the lead assistant coach at Wheeling Jesuit University.
During his first season at Fairmont State, the Falcons compiled an overall record of 21-8, which included a third-place finish in the MEC regular season standings with a 17-5 conference mark. The season was headlined by a 98-97 home win over No. 1-ranked West Liberty (1/28/18), and a 78-74 win over No. 9-ranked Wheeling Jesuit (12/6/17).
During his tenure at WJU, the Cardinals compiled a record of 74-22 in his three seasons with the program – including a 25-8 record and a trip to the NCAA Atlantic Regional Final in 2016-17.
Three seasons ago (2015-16), Wukasch was part of the WJU staff which guided the Cardinals to their most wins since 1988-89 (28-4). WJU won the Mountain East Conference Regular Season, reached No. 1 in the NABC Division II Rankings and hosted the NCAA DII Atlantic Regional.
In his first season with the Cardinals, Wukasch helped the team to its first 20-win season in four years. WJU finished 21-10 and made a run to the Mountain East Conference Tournament semifinals.
Prior to his three seasons at WJU, Wukasch spent three seasons at nearby Bethany College from 2012-14. He helped guide the Bison to a 21-6 record and the 2013-14 Presidents' Athletic Conference regular season championship, with a 14-2 record in conference play.
As an assistant at Bethany, Wukasch monitored the academic progress of the student-athletes, recruited, and assisted with team travel. He also developed and implemented the strength and conditioning program for men's basketball team.
Prior to his tenure at Bethany, Wukasch spent the 2011-12 season as the Video Coordinator at the University of Southern Mississippi. Wukasch was part of the staff that witnessed the Golden Eagles post a 25-9 overall record, and their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 21 years.
While at Southern Miss, Wukasch assisted with scouting reports on upcoming opponents and video breakdown. He also helped with player development, directed summer camps, and oversaw equipment management for the team.
During the 2010-11 season, Wukasch served as an assistant coach at the University of New Orleans. In his time at UNO, he assisted with recruiting, player development, team travel, and co-directed the summer elite camps.
Wukasch also volunteered at the University of Memphis where he was mentored by head men's basketball coach Josh Pastner. Under Pastner, Wukasch learned the Sportscode video program as well as effective techniques of player evaluation and recruitment.
Wukasch graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi. He played varsity basketball, tennis, and golf during his four years at Belhaven. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Education from Bethany College.
