Bethel University (Ind)

LaPlace, a 1981 graduate of Bethel, competed in baseball and basketball as a Pilot. He joined first-year Head Coach Mike Lightfoot and the men's basketball staff in the fall of 1987. Over the next 13 seasons, the Pilots became one of the most dominant teams in the nation, establishing Bethel's place in history as a small college basketball juggernaut.

In those 13 seasons, LaPlace helped guide the Pilots to a 405-89 overall record, averaging 31 wins against just 6 losses per season. Nine of the 13 seasons saw the Pilots post at least 30 wins in that time and amass a record of 194-15 on home courts.

During his tenure, the Pilots recorded eight MCC titles, four MCC Tournament championships, an NAIA Division II record three national championships (95-97-98), one NAIA Division II national runner-up (99), and three NCCAA national championships (92-93-00). LaPlace helped develop 13 NAIA and 24 NCCAA All-Americans.

The most significant contribution. Coach LaPlace made was the investment he made into the lives of his players and the everlasting impact he left on them as he challenged them on the court, but even more so in the classroom in their development as young men, and in their daily walk with Christ.

LaPlace currently serves as a middle school Athletic Director and Physical Education teacher in Fremont, Indiana.