College of the Ozarks will induct the 2006 NAIA Division II National Championship Basketball Team and Michael Bonaparte (class of 2007) into the Sports Hall of Fame during a ceremony on Saturday, 19th November, 2016.
Bonaparte was a 3-year letter winner from 2004-2007 after transferring from Northern Oklahoma College. He was named National Tournament Most Valuable Player as he led the 2006 team to the NAIA Division II National Championship. Bonaparte was named NAIA First-Team All-American in 2006 and 2007, as well as Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference player of the year in 2006 and 2007.
Mike scored 1,962 career points. When he graduated, Mike’s single season average of 23.5 and his 19.8 career scoring average were both school records. He also set the single season record of 192 free throws made. Mike finished his career with 731 field goals, 446 free throws, 827 rebounds, 96 blocked shots and 146 steals. In Mike’s 3 years, the Bobcats record was 73-26, including the 2006 Conference Championship. His number (10) was retired at the end of his career.
Mike graduated from College of the Ozarks with a Bachelor of Arts in accounting.
The 2006 NAIA Division II National Championship basketball team was also inducted. The Bobcats won the NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball National Championship in 2006, delivering to College of the Ozarks their first-ever national championship. They defeated Huntington University, 74-56, in the championship game.
The 2006 Bobcats were Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference regular season champions with a 13-1 record. They also claimed the MCAC Tournament Championship, defeating Newman University, 74-60, and York College, 74-73. The Bobcats finished the season with a record of 29-6.
