A familiar name is returning to the Emporia High boys basketball sideline this winter.
Longtime Spartans head coach Rick Bloomquist has joined second-year head coach Evan Burns’ staff, stepping into the role previously held by Jesse Nelson.
Bloomquist spent more than two decades leading Emporia High, guiding the Black and Red to six state tournament appearances, including a runner-up finish in 1995. He stepped down from the program in 2010 before taking over at Topeka West, where he spent the next dozen years coaching the Chargers.
Now, Bloomquist is back in Emporia — and his decision to return was a family one.
His sons, Cohen and Kael, are both Spartans, with Cohen entering his senior year and Kael his junior season. Bloomquist said his sons are excited for him to coach but added that this could change once the season starts.
Burns says when you’re replacing a legend like Nelson, you need to bring in another legend.
Nelson was inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2022 after a remarkable 44-year career coaching Olpe girls basketball.
Burns says having someone with Bloomquist’s experience on the staff gives him plenty to learn from.
But Burns also believes Bloomquist’s impact will extend well beyond the X’s and O’s.
The Spartans enter the winter with plenty of optimism. Emporia High returns three starters, including All-League performers Terrick Franklin and Harry Trelc.
Burns says he was impressed with the growth he saw from his team over the summer, setting the stage for what he hopes will be a successful season.
Emporia High opens the season on December 1 at Wichita North
