York College Assistant Dean for Athletics and Recreation Paul Saikia has announced Jared Wagner as the new head coach of the Spartan men’s basketball program.
Wagner takes the reins from long-time coach Matt Hunter, who departed after 13 seasons to become Gettysburg College’s head coach.
A Spartan through and through, Wagner starred for York from 2016–20, earning All-American honors as a senior before joining the coaching staff. Over the last four years, he’s helped guide the Green and White to new heights, including last winter’s first-ever MAC Commonwealth tournament championship.
Saikia praised both coaches, noting the bittersweet transition.
“I can’t say enough about the job Coach Hunter did in leading our men’s basketball program. He worked tirelessly since the day he arrived, and that effort brought great pride to YCP. It’s a tough farewell, but we wish him all the best at Gettysburg. At the same time, we’re truly excited for Jared. Perhaps sooner than expected, his time has come, and our Spartans are in exceptional hands.”
Wagner’s resume backs it up. As a player, he helped lead York to 86 wins, two CAC championships, and six NCAA Tournament games. His name is all over the Spartan record book: ninth in career scoring (1,505 points), first in free throws (467) and steals (288), second in assists (554), and first in games played (115).
Since joining the bench, Wagner has been part of York’s steady climb in the MAC Commonwealth, capped by last year’s conference title and a second-round NCAA Tournament thriller against No. 1 NYU.
Now, he’s ready to write the program’s next chapter.
“I’m honored to be chosen as York’s next men’s basketball coach,” Wagner said. “This program is incredibly special to me and has molded me into the man I am today. Thank you to Paul Saikia and Dr. Thomas Burns for their belief in me. I’m excited to continue our tradition of excellence on the floor, in the classroom, and in the community. Go Spartans!”
Wagner begins his new duties immediately. The Spartans open the 2025–26 season on Friday, Nov. 7 at Hobart before returning home Tuesday, Nov. 11 to host Johns Hopkins.
