MARSHALL — After 13 years with the program, Derek Klinkner was dismissed as the head coach of the Southwest Minnesota State University wheelchair basketball team. Klinkner began serving as an assistant coach with the program in 2012 before taking over as head coach in 2013.

SMSU declined to comment on Klinkner’s dismissal, with Associate Vice President of Advancement Nathan Polfliet citing the university’s policy of not commenting on personnel matters.

Klinkner was also unavailable for comment at the time of publication due to the ongoing appeal process.

Since being promoted from interim to permanent head coach ahead of the 2013-14 season, the Mustangs amassed a 153-154 record. Most recently, the Mustangs compiled a 15-9 record last year and placed third in the National Intercollegiate Wheelchair Basketball Tournament.

Over Klinkner’s tenure, the Mustangs had a pair of players named the National Wheelchair Basketball Association Player of the Year with Emmanuel Fuentes Cervantes in 2024 and Jesus Villa in 2020. The Mustangs also had Walter Johnson and Fermin Wingerter named as All-Americans during Klinkner’s tenure.