Ben Cruickshank, the Head Men's Basketball Coach at Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC), is poised to enter his third season with the Spartans. Under his leadership, the team has achieved remarkable milestones, including breaking school records for wins in a season, three-pointers made in a game, points allowed, and defensive field goal percentage.
Originally from Nebraska, Coach Cruickshank brings a wealth of coaching experience from various college programs before joining CNCC. He spent five successful years at Snow College, where he contributed to the Badgers' impressive 100-win record in that time-span. Notable achievements during his tenure at Snow College include leading the team to a 26-8 season, securing a national tournament berth, and reaching the NJCAA Sweet 16. Additionally, he helped guide the team to a 26-7 season, clinching SWAC and Region 18 titles.
Prior to his time at Snow College, Coach Cruickshank spent three years at Peru State College, where he played a pivotal role in the team's success. During his tenure, the team won 56 percent of their games, highlighted by a 22-11 season that resulted in a conference championship and a trip to the 2016 NAIA Division-I National Tournament.
Coach Cruickshank's coaching journey also includes a year at Doane University, where he contributed to a successful 21-win season. Before transitioning into coaching, he showcased his basketball talent as a player at Southeast Community College, helping lead the team to the 2008 NJCAA National Tournament. He later transferred to the University of Mary, an NCAA Division II school in the Northern Sun Conference, where he played a vital role in the Marauders' fifth-place finish in the NSIC and postseason berth.
Coach Cruickshank is not only dedicated to basketball but also committed to his academic pursuits. He earned his bachelor's degree in liberal arts from Doane University in 2014 and his master's degree in Organization Management from Peru State College in 2018. With his extensive experience and passion for the game, Coach Cruickshank continues to elevate the CNCC men's basketball program, shaping the next generation of student-athletes on and off the court.
