03 Jul 2024 Hargrove named NPC Men’s Basketball Coach

HOT SPRINGS — National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk Athletics named Dion Hargrove as Head Men’s Basketball Coach this week. 

Hargrove joins NPC after three seasons as head girls’ basketball coach at Bentonville West High School. During his 34-year coaching career, which includes stents at 10 high schools in Arkansas and Missouri in both boys’ and girls’ basketball, Hargrove has amassed a 771-342 record, which includes one state championship, 14 state tournament appearances, five regional championships,12 district championships and nine conference championships.

His list of on-the-court accomplishments continues with nine All-Star Coach nominations, 14 Conference Coach of the Year honors and a two-time finalist for Missouri State High School Coach of the Year. 

As a head baseball coach, Hargrove has also found success, winning two state championships, four regional championships, five district championships and six conference championships with a 127-49 overall record.

Dion Hargrove succeeds his son, Dillon Hargrove, who led the 31-1 Nighthawks to the NJCAA Division II Men’s Basketball National Championship last season before accepting the Head Men’s Basketball Coach position at McCook Community College in Nebraska. Dion Hargrove will serve as NPC’s third head men’s basketball coach.

“I’m proud to announce Coach Dion Hargrove as our next head men’s basketball coach,” NPC Athletic Director Rich Thompson said. “Dion has been with the Nighthawk program in the background for many years and was a key member of our National Championship-winning team this past season. I was fortunate enough to witness the many early-morning hours of scouting that happened during the National tournament and Dion was right there the whole time. We are extremely excited to bring in a coach of Dion’s caliber with more than 30 years of experience and multiple state championships. The men’s basketball program at National Park College is in great hands moving forward.”

Hargrove holds a Bachelor of Science plus additional graduate credits in health and physical education from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway and Arkansas State University in Beebe. He and his wife, Stacey, have been married 32 years and have three children, Dillon, Demi and Kyra.

“I would like to thank NPC President Dr. John Hogan, Athletic Director Rich Thompson and the search committee for having confidence in me to be the next leader and head coach of National Park College men’s basketball,” Hargrove said. “It is such a unique and special time in my life. Only a few months ago, I celebrated NPC winning a National Championship with my son, Dillon, and his staff and team. Now, it falls on my shoulders to carry on the tradition that has been built over the last six years. I look forward to the challenge. Go Nighthawks!”