VALLEY CITY (VCSU) – VCSU men’s basketball head coach Ryan Montgomery has announced the hiring of Tim Wagner as VCSU’s lead assistant coach.

Wagner worked the previous three seasons as an assistant coach at Bemidji State University. He replaces former VCSU assistant Karl Sorby, who has been hired as the head coach for Dakota College at Bottineau.

“Tim is a young coach with good experience at the NCAA Division II level,” said Montgomery. “He comes to us from one of my mentors in Mike Boschee, and he was also coached by trusted peers of mine. Tim brings three years of recruiting experience within college basketball and was an all-conference collegiate player. We are excited to add his new knowledge and youth to our program.”

Wagner worked the previous three seasons at Bemidji State, where he assisted in areas such as recruiting, scouting, practice plans and workouts, academic progress and youth camps. He also has experience as a camp coordinator and skills coach at the high school level.

“I’m very excited about joining the Valley City State basketball program,” said Wagner. “We have a good program with high aspirations, and I’m looking forward to helping our team reach their goals.”

A native of Galesville, Wis., Wagner completed his collegiate playing career at Harding University – an NCAA Division II school in Arkansas. He averaged 15.6 points per game during his two seasons at Harding and earned All-Great American Conference and GAC All-Academic honors.

Wagner recently earned his master’s degree in sports management from Winona State University and earned a bachelor’s degree from Harding in 2018.

Wagner takes over the VCSU position previously held by Karl Sorby, who has been hired as head coach for Dakota College at Bottineau. Sorby worked five seasons for Montgomery and the Vikings.

“We wish Karl the best at Bottineau,” said Montgomery. “I am extremely proud of him and not only thankful for what he did for our program, but also for me individually. Karl gave us his best in helping to change the culture here at VCSU basketball.”

Valley City State University finished the 2020-21 season with a 19-7 overall record and a 9-5 mark in conference play. The Vikings tied for second in the North Star Athletic Association standings.