Rick Canton is in his third team with the College of Saint Benedict basketball team, which he joined in 2021-22.
Canton helped CSB to an 18-9 overall record and 14-8 for third in the MIAC in 2022-23. In his first year, the Bennies finished 15-11 and 11-10 in the MIAC. Through two seasons, he has been part of a CSB Basketball Program, led by veteran head coach Mike Durbin, that has a 33-20 overall record and 25-18 in the MIAC.
Previously, Canton – who has more than 40 years of coaching experience – spent seven seasons as an assistant coach with the St. Thomas women’s basketball team where he helped guide the Tommies to five NCAA tournament berths, including two NCAA Championship appearances in 2018-19 and 2016-17.
Prior to his time at UST, Canton was the head boys’ and girls’ basketball coach at Pine Island High School. He won 353 games, led Pine Island to its first-ever state tournament appearance in 2013, won six HVL Conference titles and was named the section coach of the year in 2012.
Before taking over at Pine Island, Canton spent time as an assistant men’s basketball coach at Augsburg was the assistant boys’ basketball coach at both Bethlehem Academy in Faribault and Delano High School.
Canton played collegiate basketball at both Augsburg and Luther. He graduated with a degree in physical education and coaching from Luther, and later obtained his Master’s degree in Sports Administration from Mankato State (Minnesota State).
Canton currently resides in Miltona with his wife, Linda. They have three grown children – Nick, Laura and Whitney. Both Laura (2011) and Whitney (2013) played basketball for head coach Mike Durbin at CSB.
