Charging into March Madness: Former Chargers Make Their Mark in NCAA Tournament

Written by Doug Goodnough

If you ever wondered how Hillsdale College’s motto of “Strength Rejoices in the Challenge” translates to athletics, look no further than Jack Gohlke.

If you haven’t heard of his name by now, then you obviously are not a college basketball fan. For a couple of days, the 2022 Hillsdale graduate took over March Madness, otherwise known as the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament. As a graduate transfer from Oakland University, the guard made an eye-popping 10 3-pointers and scored 32 points in Oakland’s shocking upset of basketball powerhouse Kentucky in the opening round of the tournament. He followed that up with a 22-point performance in a 79-73 overtime loss to North Carolina State in round two. His 16 3-pointers in two games set a new tournament record.

After that remarkable showing, Gohlke quickly became a national story. Media outlets like CBS, ESPN, and others detailed his humble beginnings as a lightly recruited high school player from Wisconsin to his five-year career with the Hillsdale Chargers. After earning his Hillsdale degree in accounting, Gohlke decided that his next “challenge” was taking his game to the next level. Oakland was the only Division I school to offer him that opportunity.

And he made the most of it.

As a 3-point shooting specialist, Gohlke had a strong regular season, averaging around 12 points a game for the Golden Grizzlies. However, no one could have predicted the performance he had against Kentucky, a team filled with NBA talent.

Gohlke certainly rejoiced in that challenge. In fact, he seemed very prepared for the moment. After scoring 21 points in the first half on seven 3-pointers as Oakland grabbed a 38-35 halftime lead, he had social media buzzing. Almost everyone in America was seemingly surprised by Oakland’s 80-76 win–except for Gohlke. As he draped his arm around Oakland head coach Greg Kampe in the postgame interview, he said he was expecting to perform well, expecting to win.

That, in a nutshell, is Virtus Tentamine Gaudet. And it was on full, glorious display for the entire nation to witness.

Hillsdale College had a few other alumni storylines this year related to March Madness:

Gohlke’s longtime teammate at Hillsdale, Patrick Cartier, also had his own March Madness experience. As a member of the Colorado State men’s basketball team, Cartier was the starting forward for the Rams, who won their First Four game March 19 against Virginia before eventually falling to Texas in the opening round. Cartier also graduated in 2022 from Hillsdale and was Gohlke’s teammate during their Elite Eight tournament run in 2021-22. He was a two-year starter for CSU, and is finishing up his MBA.
Brooks Miller, ’03, a former standout guard for the Chargers, is now making a name for himself as a college basketball head coach. The longtime Trine University men’s coach is fresh off an NCAA Division III national title. The Thunder defeated top-seeded Hampden-Sydney 69-61 in the championship game March 16 to claim the school’s first national title. He was also named the NCAA Division III Coach of the Year for the second time in four years and completed his 12th season at Trine.
Another former Charger guard, Earl Walton, ’87, was also on the floor during March Madness. However, it was in his role as a longtime NCAA Division I basketball official. Those who watch Big Ten basketball see Walton often during the regular season. But he is working at the highest levels of the game, and this year was a member of the crew who worked the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight games.
Finally, Al Schaffer, ’56, may have taken off his Hillsdale basketball uniform for the last time almost 70 years ago, but he’s stayed close to the game. After a long and distinguished career as a high school basketball coach and teacher, Schaffer completed his 14th season as a volunteer coach for the San Diego State men’s basketball team. The Aztecs made their first Final Four appearance in 2023, and played for the national championship before losing to eventual winner Connecticut. This year, San Diego State advanced to the Sweet 16 before bowing out. Schaffer, still spry at age 89, got to experience both of those tournament runs. Known as a standout motivational speaker, “Coach Al” conducted many basketball clinics and camps over the years. He remains an inspiration for both the Chargers and the Aztecs.

Doug Goodnough, ’90, is Hillsdale’s director of Alumni Marketing. He enjoys connecting with fellow alumni in new and wonderful ways.

Published in April 2024