Regis Men's Head Basketball Coach Lonnie Porter is the Director of the Lonnie Porter Summer Academy. Coach Porter has completed his 19th year as head coach of the Regis University Men's Basketball Program.
Porter, who has served at Regis longer than any current men's basketball coach in Colorado, is a member of the NCAA's exclusive "300 Wins Club" having amassed a career record of 332-204 in his tenure at Regis University. His triumphs have not been limited to the court. Ninety-four percent of Porter's players have completed their eligibility at Regis and received bachelor's degrees.
Porter earned his bachelor's degree from Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado. In 1969, he became an assistant coach at Denver's Manual High School. Two years later he led the Manual varsity basketball team to a 21-2 record, the Colorado 3A state title and a number one ranking in the annual poll of the southwest region of the United States.
Porter's award list is vast and varied and includes the National Association of Basketball Coaches Merit Award in 1990 and the Colorado Athletic Conference Coach of the Year awards in 1993-94, 1995-95 and 1995-96. He has also received numerous honors away from his sport, As a student at Adams State, he was a Den's List member for four semesters and was recognized in Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities. In 1974 he was the recipient of an Outstanding Young Men in America award and was listed in Who's Who Among Black American in 1975. Adams State named him the Outstanding Alumnus in 1983. In 1995, Porter was named "Man of the Year" by the Regis student body and was appointed to a three year term on the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors.
In 1980, Regis named Porter Ambassador of the College. In that role, he gives motivational speeches at area schools, businesses and charitable organizations. He also serves as the community service coordinator for the Regis University Athletic Department, organizing and over-seeing service projects for the 10 varsity athletic programs.
Porter is sincere in his commitment to the community in which he lives. "Serving the community is a humbling experience," said Porter. "It helps me to realize how blessed I've been in my life. There is a tremendous need for us to use our talents to betterthe lives of those who may not be as fortunate as we are."
Porter is widely recognized in the Denver area for leadership in community service. Porter has devoted one day per week during the school year to tutor inner-city Denver school children. In 1994, he was one of five Denver residents to receive an African American Spotlight Award presented by KWGN-TV and McDonalds.
In continuing with providing community service, Porter had a vision of creating the Lonnie Porter Leadership Academy to further serve the youth of the community beyond the school year. Porter's vision has become a reality.