Kirkwood Men's Basketball Announces Staff Updates

Cedar Rapids, IA- Kirkwood head coach Tim Sandquist announced Thursday that Tyler Francis has been promoted to Associate Head Coach. Francis is entering his sixth season on the Eagles' coaching staff, having served as an assistant coach over the past five seasons.

"Tyler Francis has been by my side since day one," said Sandquist. "He has been instrumental in our success and is a huge asset to our players and our campus community. I am grateful for all the hard work and the loyalty that Coach Francis has shown to the program."

"I am extremely humbled and honored to be named the Associate Head Coach here at Kirkwood. The last five years have been a blessing to be able to work within an athletic department and for a basketball program that has such storied success." Francis went on to say, "As a young coach, it has given me the opportunity to be surrounded by great people who have all helped me grow not only as a coach, but as a husband, father, and friend."

Francis has recruited and developed some of the ICCAC's best forwards. In Francis' six years of coaching he has had three forwards earn All-American Honors and another six earn All-Region accolades.

In addition to the promotion of Tyler Francis, head Coach Tim Sandquist announced that Ahmad Pender will be hired full-time in an Assistant Coaching role with the Eagles. 

Pender came on staff halfway through the season last year and will be retained by Head Coach Tim Sandquist. 

Sandquist had this to say about the hire. "Coach Pender brings a lot of energy to our group and is not too far removed from his own playing days, thus allowing him to connect well with our student-athletes."  

Pender played one season (2017-2018) at the University of Wisconsin-Washington County where he was named 2nd team all-conference. Pender then transferred to William Penn University where he went on to play four seasons with the Statesmen. Pender helped William Penn to three conference championships and four trips to the NAIA National Tournament. Two of those four appearances resulted in trips to the Sweet 16.