APPLETON, Wis. -- Casey Korn is the new leader of the Lawrence University men's basketball team, Director of Athletics Kim Tatro announced today.
    Korn, an assistant coach at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, is the 27th head coach in school history and takes over for Zach Filzen, who resigned after three-plus years to become the head coach at Bethel (Minn.) University.
    "I am unbelievably excited about this opportunity," Korn said. "I want to thank Kim Tatro and President Laurie Carter for offering me the chance to lead the Lawrence men's basketball program. Sometimes things just work out. I get to transition to a head coaching role at nationally-respected university with a history of winning basketball and a tremendous and passionate alumni base. I get to do this while not moving from my home, and my wife (Ashley) doesn't have to leave a job she loves. I was not born and raised in Wisconsin, but Appleton feels like home. It really is a great fit for us."
    Korn comes to Lawrence after spending three years as the top assistant at UW-Oshkosh.  
    "Casey is the ideal fit for Lawrence," Tatro said. "He brings a liberal arts background combined with national success as part of the UW-Oshkosh program. We were impressed by his vision to build a program the right way and provide an outstanding experience for the men in our program. Casey is a big-picture thinker and will be an excellent addition to our staff."
    In Korn's first season at UW-Oshkosh in 2018-19, he helped guide the Titans to a 29-3 record and the program's first NCAA Division III title. During his three seasons, including an abbreviated 2020-21 campaign, UW-Oshkosh made two appearances in the NCAA Division III Tournament and compiled a 54-14 record.
    Korn steps into a program on the rise with two-time All-Midwest Conference standout Brad Sendell at the forefront. The Vikings also returning starting guard Brandon Danowski and starting forward Julian DeGuzman to go with a host of young and talent players.
    "I have seen the success that Lawrence has had on the court, and I'm excited about continuing to build this program," Korn said. "I want this program to represent Lawrence University in the best way and be something that alums will be proud to support."
    A native of High Ridge, Mo., Korn is a graduate of Cornell College, which rejoined the Midwest Conference in 2012 after 15 years in the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Korn played two seasons of basketball for the Rams before serving as a student assistant coach for his final two seasons. He worked with head coach Mike DeGeorge, a former Lawrence assistant who coached the Rams from 2004-09.
    Korn also was a baseball standout for Cornell and earned All-Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference honors twice, including a first-team selection in 2009. Korn earned a bachelor's degree from Cornell in 2009 with a double major in economics/business and secondary education with a minor in American history. He earned a master's degree in athletic administration from Concordia University Nebraska in 2021.
    "It will be fun traveling to Cornell and getting to compete against my alma mater," Korn said. "When I was at Cornell, they were in the Iowa Conference, but we had many nonconference games against Midwest Conference opponents. I will see a lot of familiar towns and gyms."
    Korn started his coaching journey at Calamus Wheatland High School in Wheatland, Iowa, where he served as the head varsity boys basketball coach from 2009-12. He coached Calamus Wheatland to a 22-6 record and a berth in the Class 1A state championship game. Korn then served as varsity boys basketball and golf coach at St. Clair High School in St. Clair, Mo., from 2012-15. Korn also coached the varsity boys basketball and golf teams at Rockwood Summit High School in Fenton, Mo., from 2015-18 before reuniting with college teammate and UW-Oshkosh head coach Matt Lewis.
    "Even though I didn't attend Lawrence, I have built multiple connections with the school," Korn said. "I've learned that it's a special place with a lasting impact on everyone who attends. It has been amazing to learn how much Lawrence means to its graduates, whether they just completed their degree or if they graduated decades ago. I'm looking forward to being a part of a place like that."

What others are saying about Casey Korn ...

"I am thrilled for Casey and the LU basketball family! Casey is a complete-package coach with a great feel for the game and work ethic to match. Additionally, his character and integrity make him a tremendous fit for LU.  As an alumnus of the program, I cannot be more enthusiastic for the hire!"
    Pat Juckem, Lawrence class of 1995 and head men's basketball coach at Washington University in St. Louis

"From day 1 is was clear that he was 'all in' and would do anything for his staff and players. He earned the respect of our team immediately through tireless hard work. His transition from the high school to collegiate level was seamless, and Coach Korn proved to be an immense asset for our team through his knowledge and passion for coaching. As a person, I was fortunate to get to know Coach Korn as a player and alum. There's no question he values the relationships he builds through basketball. Lawrence made a tremendous decision, and I'm excited to see Coach Korn take the next step in his coaching career!"
    Ben Boots, 2019 UW-Oshkosh graduate, first-team NCAA Division III All-American and Central Region Player of the Year 

"Casey has meant so much to our program at UW-Oshkosh. His contributions have gone far beyond the success on the court. Casey will be deeply missed by our program and campus community. We are all very excited for Casey and his family in this new opportunity. Lawrence University is a special place, and we know Casey will thrive at LU!"
    Matt Lewis, head men's basketball coach at UW-Oshkosh and the 2019 NCAA Division III Coach of the Year

"Casey was a very hard worker as a student-athlete, and I know that work ethic has translated into his professional life as a coach. He understands and appreciates the value of a liberal arts setting and the role athletics should play within a prestigious university competing at the NCAA Division III level. He is an ideal fit for Lawrence, and under his leadership the future is bright for Vikings basketball."
    Mike DeGeorge, head men's basketball coach at Colorado Mesa University and the 2021 NCAA Division II West Region Coach of the Year

"Casey Korn is one of the most hard-working, dedicated coaches I have ever met. He is definitely one of the major reasons that my time playing basketball for the Titans will be one I cherish for the rest of my life. Casey started out for me as a coach and became a friend, a mentor and a part of my family."
    Jack Flynn, 2020 UW-Oshkosh graduate and NCAA Division III All-American

"Casey has been a strong addition to our men's basketball program and was very influential with the success of our program. He is a hard worker, a good staff person and he will be missed. I understand he is becoming a Viking, but he will always be a Titan first."
    Darryl Sims, Assistant Chancellor, Intercollegiate Athletics, UW-Oshkosh