Wayne State hires Briar Cliff coach to helm women's program

WAYNE - A Nebraska native is returning to his home state to take over the women's basketball program at Wayne State College.

College officials announced Wednesday that Brian Ortmeier has been tabbed as the 12th coach in program history.

Ortmeier comes to the Wildcats from NAIA school Briar Cliff, where he was 80-24 in three seasons. This past season he led the Chargers to the NAIA national semifinals. Prior to his arrival Briar Cliff had never won a conference title in women's basketball.

Ortmeier is returning to his home state. He grew up in Dodge and attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

He takes over for Brent Pollari who recently was hired as head coach at Norfolk High School.