Walsh University Men, 2005 NAIA National Champions
Lifted into the NAIA Men’s National Division II Tournament by a 13-game regular season winning string, Walsh University of North Canton won five straight games in Branson, Missouri., to grab its first NAIA crown. The seventh-seeded Cavaliers defeated Tabor, Embry-Riddle, Northwestern Iowa and defending champion Oregon Tech before conquering Concordia, 81-70, for the championship. Leading 32-28 at the intermission, Walsh outscored Concordia, 18-2 in the first four minutes of the second half to salt the game away. Robert Whaley, who supplied 25 points and nine rebounds, was named the tournament MVP. First-year Walsh coach Jeff Young was selected as coach of the year.
Seated: (L-R) Josh Ozanich, Jon Boldon, Jason Hicks, Randy Sistrunk, Robert Whaley, Jason Farkas, Jake Steuer, Adam Lesch, Brandon Weems
Standing: (L-R) Head Coach Jeff Young, Assistant Coach Jerrod Calhoun, Corey Jones, Derek Chappell, Luke Vincer, Keith Black, Kevin Stingel, Assistant Coach Rhys Tucker, Assistant Coach Kyle Palmer
Not pictured: Charles McKee, Assistant Coach John Hippley, Assistant Coach Garry Bolton
