Randy Baruth is the assistant men’s basketball coach at McKendree University. Baruth is entering his first season with the program after a highly successful 13-year tenure as head coach at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU), where he accumulated a GLIAC (Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) Conference Championship, a GLIAC Divisional Championship, an NCAA Midwest Regional Championship, and an NCAA Elite Eight Appearance. He developed 34 GLIAC All-Conference selections, including eight All-Defensive Team honorees and standout Freshman of the Year C.J. Turnage.
Baruth’ s most notable season came in 2015-16, when he led SVSU to a 25-8 record, capturing the GLIAC regular season title, and an NCAA Division II Elite Eight appearance. That year, he was named the GLIAC Coach of the Year. Other program milestones under Baruth’ s leadership include:
· First-ever win over an NCAA Division I program (Western Michigan, Nov. 22, 2021)
· GLIAC South Division champions (2021-22)
· National No. 1 ranking in NABC Coaches Poll (Dec. 6, 2022)
· 15 total appearances each in the NABC Coaches Poll and [former] D2CSC Media Poll
Prior to SVSU, Baruth built his coaching résumé through several impactful leaders. Baruth joined then head coach Tim Miles at North Dakota State University in 2002, when they were a part of the NCAA Division II North Central Conference (NCC) as a Graduate Assistant before he earned his first of many full-time positions, working five years as the lead assistant to legendary Coach Don Meyer at Northern State University from 2004-2009. While at Northern State, Baruth helped lead the Wolves to two NCAA Division II Midwest Regional Sweet Sixteen appearances. Baruth then rejoined Miles' staff at Colorado State University as part of the Mountain West Conference from 2009-2011 as the Director of Basketball Operations. In 2011, Baruth was hired by former NBA player and coach, Larry Krystkowiak as the Director of Player Development in the program’s PAC-10 debut.
Throughout his career, Baruth has built strong recruiting ties across the U.S. and internationally. Overall, Baruth has developed 58 all-league players, 11 professional players, three Conference Championships, two NCAA Sweet Sixteens, and one NCAA Elite Eight. His commitment to player development extends off the court, consistently ensuring academic success and graduation.
A native of Alpena, South Dakota, Baruth played high school basketball from 1992-96 where he was a finalist for South Dakota Mr. Basketball. He continued his playing career at Mount Marty College and Dakota Wesleyan University, earning his Bachelor's in Elementary Education in 2000 and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from NDSU in 2004.
Baruth and his wife, Meghan, have three sons: Bennett, Camden, and Calvin.
“My family and I are very humbled and excited to be a part of Coach Suggs' program. He is a proven player and is becoming an accomplished head coach. We look forward to adding every bit of experience we have to help him continue to build on McKendree’s rich history.”
What They’re Saying About Randy Baruth:
· George Suggs, Head Coach at McKendree University
“We are thrilled to welcome Randy as a part of our staff,” said Suggs. “His values align perfectly with those of our players, coaches, and the entire McKendree community. He has a wealth of experience that will add immediate value as we continue to set high standards for our program. We cannot wait to welcome Randy and his family to Lebanon.”
· Mike Dunlap, Head Coach at Colorado Mesa University
“Coach Baruth's players have always exceeded their potential. Why? Master Teacher! Player connectivity and a willingness to compete.”
· Craig Smith, Former Head Coach, University of Utah
“Players developed by Coach Baruth are going to be tough and compete every second of the game. He is a high-character person with a high standard and elite-level work ethic who truly cares about his players.”
· Greg Kampe, Head Coach at Oakland University
“Randy is a player's coach. He understands what this generation of athletes needs to grow and get better. An excellent X-and-O guy who excels in late-game situations.”
Last Updated on 10/24/2025
