A familiar face in the Jayhawk conference will be leading a new program next season.

 

The Seward County Saints have named Austin Downing as their newest Men's Basketball coach, replacing Rylee Hernandez.

 

Downing spend the past three seasons as an assistant with the Barton Cougars, where he coached in two national tournaments, including being a integral part of the 2023-24 national championship team. The Cougars posted an 86-19 record and 59-15 league mark during Downing's time on staff.

 

Downing is an Atchison, Kansas native, and began his playing career at Neosho Community College, where he ranks Top 20 on the all-time scoring list. He would later play Division 2 at Quincy University and Emporia State, where he earned All-MIAA honors.

 

Seward County finished the season 3-26, with a 2-22 league record. The Saints ended the season on an 11-game losing streak, and failed to qualify for the Region VI Tournament.