St. Thomas men's coach Johnny Tauer on his 35 years at the school, D3 to D1 transition, changes in hoops, and living in the current world

Happy Hour with John Gaskins · Oct 21, 2026 · 15m

Unlike Turgeon, Tauer has spent the last three decades in one spot — playing and coaching at the well-funded private school in St. Thomas since 1991.

What kept him there? What, to him, have been the most compelling changes to the sport and its players over those 35 years?

Of course, NIL and the portal have changed everything, so how has Tauer processed and adjusted to the fact that players don't stick around four or five years like they used to?

Also, how have the Tommies made the first Div. III to Div. I transition in the history of the sport look so easy?

Refreshingly candid yet easy to…