UNI Panther Week - Seth Tuttle
I just played and played and tried to get better at every aspect of the game
This week’s Moonlighter is one of the best Panthers to ever lace ‘em up for UNI. Seth Tuttle was a multi-sport star for West Fork High School who went on to be a 4 year starter for the Panthers. Tuttle was a fan favorite for the purple and gold during his career and finished in the top 10 in several statistical categories. Now, Tuttle is back in Cedar Falls as a coach for the men’s basketball team and his fire for the game continues to burn.
Tuttle grew up as a multi-sport athlete and found his first love on the diamond. Once he hit high school he hung up his bat and glove to focus on track, football, and basketball. Football Friday nights are some of his favorite memories where he starred as the quarterback for the 1A West Fork Warhawks, leading them to the playoffs his senior year. Though there aren’t too many 6’6 quarterbacks in small town high school football, the basketball court was where Tuttle really stood out. Tuttle’s high school career included just about every accolade and was capped off with an undefeated state title his senior year.
I just got absolutely manhandled in practice
Tuttle found his college home at UNI and built relationships that have lasted almost a decade now. Walking onto campus as a small school standout, Tuttle had to find his confidence as a freshman. UNI coaches helped to bring him along a little bit as he adjusted to the college game, but Tuttle went on to start every game in his career in Cedar Falls. By the time he finished at UNI, Tuttle was one of the all time leaders in scoring, blocked shots, shooting percentage, and free throws made. Tuttle’s senior year included national attention and being listed on the Naismith watch list at midseason, being named 2nd team All American, and the Larry Bird MVC Player of the Year.
The more you put in, the more you get out
The 2014-2015 Panther season ended in the round of 32 with the loss to Louisville, but Tuttle took his talents to Europe to play professionally. After 3 years in Europe, an opportunity to join the UNI coaching staff as a graduate manager brought Tuttle back to the states. He has just finished his second year with the staff and loves his role working with young stars like AJ Green. After a 25-6 record and regular season MVC championship, the Panthers are primed to continue to improve next season led by their young talent and top-tier coaching staff.
All-time leading scorer and role player don’t really fit in the same sentence. But in the case of this week’s Moonlighter, they are both a part of his story. Brooks McKowen graduated high school having set a new standard for Iowa high school basketball players. While at UNI he became a new player. When he hung up the sneakers, he found another role holding a clipboard. No matter what role he takes on, Brooks McKowen continues to find success on the basketball court.