RUSTON – The newly-formed Amherst Schools Hall of Distinction announced its inaugural class of inductees, a three-member group that includes Louisiana Tech men's basketball head coach Eric Konkol.
 
The committee was formed to promote and celebrate former students, teams, coaches, advisors, staff members, community members, volunteers and boosters who have made an exceptional contribution to society, achieved exceptional success, brought honor and prestige to Amherst Schools and have exhibited such qualities of character and action as to be outstanding role models for students.
 
"I'm incredibly humbled to be named to the inaugural class of the Amherst Schools Hall of Distinction and beyond grateful to the committee for this great honor," said Konkol.  "My parents, teachers, coaches and community raised me in an environment that valued family and hard work.  I share this honor with sincere thanks to the many people who have positively impacted me during and after my time as a student in Amherst."  
 
Konkol graduated in 1995 and is still the all-time leading scorer in Amherst Boys Basketball history with 1,871 points.  He was a four-time CWC All-Conference and two-time All-State selection as well as earning Academic All-State honors.
 
As a multi-sport athlete (lettered in cross country, baseball and basketball), he was part of the 1994 conference champion cross country team and the 1995 regional champion basketball team.
 
After his high school playing days were done, Konkol made it a point to come back to the school that helped mold him, giving back to the youth of the community by holding basketball camps for boys and girls of the Amherst area.  
 
At the collegiate level, Konkol spent his first two years at the University of Wisconsin at Platteville playing for former Wisconsin head coach Bo Ryan.  He then transferred to the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire where he played three seasons for the Division III program which advanced to the national championship game in 2000. 
 
He is now in his sixth season as head coach of the Bulldogs, having guided the team to four 20+ win seasons.  He currently has an overall record of 113-60, the fifth most victories by a head coach in program history.