Coaching runs in the Margenthaler family. A gym rat by birthright, Ty grew up around basketball.
His father, Jack, spent 15 years leading the Western Illinois Leathernecks and recently retired from coaching after sitting at the end of the Southern Illinois-Edwardsville bench for 11 seasons. In addition, Ty’s brother, Matt, was a member of the South Dakota State coaching staff for six seasons and is entering his fifth year as head coach at Minnesota State-Mankato.
Entering his sixth year at Bradley, Margenthaler has played a role in the Braves success, both on the recruiting trail and in practices, helping the Braves develop one of the top frontcourts in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Under Margenthaler’s tutelage a pair of Bradley centers have been named to the Missouri Valley Conference All-Freshman team as Dena Williams (2002) and Ashley Chelleen (2003) both earned spots on the Valley’s All-Freshman squad. Williams capped off her career by earning first-team All-Missouri Valley Conference honors after leading the team in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots.
Williams, who has signed a professional contract with a team in Amsterdam, became Bradley’s career leader in rebounds (799) and is fourth in Valley history with 197 blocked shots.
The camp coordinator, Margenthaler also assists with scouting duties.
He came to The Hilltop after serving two years on the women’s basketball staff at SIU-Edwardsville, where he helped lead the Cougars to a 19-9 record and the NCAA Division II Tournament in 1998-99.
Before beginning his collegiate coaching career, Margenthaler was named the Alton Telegraph Coach of the Year after leading Roxana High School to the South Central Conference title and a regional championship.
Ty’s playing experience includes two years at Indian Hills Community College (1992-94).
Margenthaler then joined his father at SIU-Edwardsville for his final two seasons. While under his father’s tutelage, Margenthaler averaged better than 10 points per game and started every contest.
“Ty is a coaches’ son and grew up around basketball,” head coach Paula Buscher said. “He has been an asset to Bradley from day one because of his desire to be successful at whatever he does. He’s an excellent recruiter and has done a great job helping with the development and improvement of our post players.”
Margenthaler played high school basketball in Macomb, where he garnered all-state honors as a senior.
Margenthaler and his wife Julie have two children, Brice (5) and Nate (2), and reside in Peoria.