ABERDEEN — Eldon Marshall has been the architect of a Class B powerhouse. 

Under White River’s tutelage, the Tigers have qualified for every Class B boys basketball tournament since 2006 and have claimed four state championships. He’s racked up more 450 career coaching wins, his program has produced multiple all-staters and two Mr. Basketball winners. 

Marshall was honored for his impressive coaching resume on Friday, receiving the first-ever boys basketball recipient of the “Larry Luitjens Coach of Influence” Award at Wachs Arena. 

“That’s a great honor to even be considered to get that,” Marshall said. “But it’s about White River. That’s a White River award.” 

The “Larry Luitjens Coach of Influence” Award, in its first season of existence, will recognize a girls basketball coach and a boys basketball coach each season. The award’s objective is to pay tribute to Luitjens and honor coaches that stood for his core coaching values.

Luitjens, a legendary boys basketball coach who won multiple state championships at De Smet and Custer, won a state-record 748 games. He died in 2023. 

Marshall was recognized at halftime of the second Class B semifinal game. He received a handcrafted Native American medallion and a plaque. 

Marshall received the honor from the Luitjens family, while he stood at halfcourt with his family, current and former players to a standing ovation. 

For Marshall, it was important to have his players also be recognized when receiving the honor. 

“That’s what the award is about,” Marshall said. “I think coaching, teaching is a profession where you can affect young lives hopefully in a positive way and lead them in the proper direction.”

Marshall also praised his wife Marc, mother-in-law Peri Strain and assistant coaches for his having a big hand in the award. 

“It’s an individual award,” Marshall said. “But basketball is a team sport and it’s a team award.”

Marshall, 54, received the news about the award from Lance Luijtens, Larry’s son. Marshall was speechless when he was delivered the news. 

“I was speechless actually when Lance told me that I was chosen for that,” Marshall said. “We were on the phone and I didn’t know what to say. It was beyond belief and I was in disbelief.”

Marshall, a Todd County High School and Black Hills State University graduate, developed a relationship with Larry Luitjens during Lakota Nation Invitationals and through coaching events. 

Marshall called Luitjens “one of the greatest coaches ever and he has influenced so many lives,” while also recognizing his ability to connect with coaches and players.  

“He was always so open to talking and saying hi,” Marshall said. “If I did have a question we’d talk about basketball. He was always so open and willing to help another coach, who knows what can be said about what he’s done for his players. It's, I am sure, immense. I have seen him speak and talked to him after speaking at a coaching clinic. Just amazing stuff, amazing man. It means a lot.”