Richard Rago named Del Tech men’s basketball coach

Richard Rago, who coached varsity boys’ basketball at St. Elizabeth High School for 30 years, is taking over the reins of Delaware Technical Community College’s men’s basketball program as the new head coach.

“We are extremely fortunate that coach Rago was willing to help us rebuild our statewide basketball program that focuses on student success in the classroom and on the court,” said Dr. Mark Brainard, Delaware Tech president. “It provides our student-athletes a great opportunity to benefit from his leadership and his extraordinary knowledge of the game.”

Rago said, “The past two years that I was sitting out watching many games I questioned whether I had retired too soon, but I never sought to get back on the court. I decided to accept the challenge of coaching on the college level especially after I was assured by the administration that their goal was for success, not only on the basketball court, but on graduation day. These were the same goals I endeared my entire coaching career at St. Elizabeth, and therefore I accepted the challenge.”

Rago was Catholic League Coach of the Year five times and coach of the Blue-Gold All-Star Game three times. In his last 10 years of coaching, Rago’s teams qualified for the state tournament nine times and made it to the semifinals twice and the quarterfinals three times. 

Delaware Tech’s men’s basketball team has struggled the past few seasons, and finished 9-18 in the 2017-18 season. However, Rago has already set some basic goals for the upcoming season.

“Not knowing the players' personalities and abilities, and them not knowing me or my system, the first year will be quite a challenge,” Rago said. “However, if I have student-athletes who are willing to work hard on the court and in the classroom, I am confident we will have a competitive and successful season to lay the foundation for a program the administration, students, alumni and state will be proud of. My excitement is growing each day, and I can't wait to start the ball bouncing.”

Delaware Tech’s 2018-19 season begins with scrimmages in October and early November. The season officially kicks off Tuesday, Nov. 6, with a home game against Cecil County College at 7 p.m. at the Stanton Campus in Newark.

For more information on Delaware Tech Athletics, go to dtcc.edu/athletics or follow dtccathletics on Instagram.