Topeka West hires familiar face for boys basketball head coaching role
TOPEKA — USD 501 School Board approved the hiring of a new Topeka West head basketball coach on Thursday night as Christian Ulsaker will take the reins for the Chargers next winter.
“My main goal is to hit the ground running and to get to know the guys,” Ulsaker said.
Ulsaker hails from McPherson and played his college basketball at Washburn. It is a homecoming for the coach, who spent time with Hayden, Shawnee Heights and Washburn Rural previously.
He had been with Wabaunsee since 2019, totaling 58-54 record as he helped them reach the 2021 Class 2A state tournament.
“Although my record may only be 58-54 at the 2A level, I am ultra competitive and I enjoy that challenge and I want to go against the best of the best,” Ulsaker said. “I also am excited to help the kids in a city that I live in.”
— Christian Ulsaker (@CUlsaker) May 3, 2024
The move for Ulsaker means the departure of long-time head coach Rick Bloomquist, who announced his retirement in March after securing 576 wins across his career. He spent the last 12 years with Topeka West.
The Chargers have become one of the top programs in the state. They earned a state championship berth in 2021 when they fell to Maize. They have also compiled five straight winning campaigns.
“I am lucky that Bloomquist won’t be gone, he will still be in the building. So, I can always pick his ear when I need to,” Ulsaker said. “I like to think that I am a pretty confident coach and although, it is big shoes to fill, I’ll do my best.”
High school sports: Here are the top Topeka-area performances from April 30-May 4
Last season, Topeka West finished 14-8 and will return a majority of its production. Jalen Foy will return after averaging 13.5 points per game, which ranked seventh in the city. Foy also averaged four assists, the fourth-best rate.
Ulsaker has the pieces ready to make an instant impact next winter.
“I want to trap and I want to get out and run,” Ulsaker said. “We like to get up-and-down the court and we like to attack the rim, force some chaos. I like to call it, ‘controlled chaos.’”
Liam Keating covers high school sports for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Topeka West hires Christian Ulsaker as boys basketball head coach
