Early Years and Career
Born in rural Minnesota, Monson moved with his family when he was in the second grade to Coeur d'Alene in northern Idaho. During his sophomore year at Coeur d'Alene High School, the Vikings won the state title under longtime coach Elmer Jordan, defeating Burley 53-43 in far-away Pocatello. Monson graduated in 1951 and then attended the University of Idaho, where he lettered for three years in basketball and graduated in 1955. (team photo)
After a stint in the service, Monson was a successful high school coach in eastern Washington, a head coach for 18 seasons from 1958–76, compiling a record of 266-134 (.665). Monson first led Cheney High School, where he stayed for nine seasons going 105-69 (.603). While in Cheney, he earned a master's degree at Eastern Washington State College. In 1967, Monson moved over to Pasco High School for another nine seasons, going 161-65 (.709)
In 1976, Monson moved to the collegiate ranks as an assistant coach at Michigan State under friend Jud Heathcote, where he refined the 2-3 matchup zone defense and was given credit for the recruitment of Earvin "Magic" Johnson to the Spartans in 1977. Monson would stay in East Lansing for two seasons, leaving in the spring of 1978. The Spartans would win the national championship the following season, defeating the Indiana State Sycamores, led by Larry Bird, in the title game in Salt Lake City in 1979.
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