About Midwest Roots UAA Basketball
Mission Statement
At Midwest Roots, we use basketball to prepare young men for life beyond the game. We instill honesty, hard work, and accountability while teaching teamwork and life skills that translate far off the court. Our players are tested at the highest level of grassroots basketball, gaining exposure and opportunity while competing against top talent. We demand a family-first mindset, a commitment to something bigger than themselves, and relentless effort every play.
Vision Statement
To become a premier grassroots basketball program known for promoting and developing high-character athletes, preparing young men for success in life, and providing a platform for exposure and opportunity at the highest level.
Leadership
Mitch Runco
Co-DirectorMitch Runco is a veteran basketball coach and program leader with over 15 years of experience at the high school, collegiate, and grassroots levels. Most recently, Runco served as the Head Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach at the University of Nebraska Kearney from 2024 to 2026.
Prior to his time at Nebraska Kearney, Runco was the Head Boys Basketball Coach at Omaha Westview High School from 2022 to 2024. Before returning to the Midwest, he spent eight years at St. Bernard High School in Playa del Rey, California, where he served as both Head Boys Basketball Coach and Athletic Director from 2012 to 2020.
During his tenure at St. Bernard, Runco built one of the premier programs in the region, leading the team to a CIF Championship in 2015, a Southern Region Championship and State Runner-Up finish in 2016, and a Trevor Ariza Tournament Championship in 2019. Under his leadership, the program produced seven All-CIF players and two CIF Players of the Year.
In the grassroots basketball space, Runco has extensive experience as both a coach and program director. He has coached and mentored over 30 Division I players, including current and former NBA players Jaylen Clark, Johnny Juzang, Dalen Terry, Isaiah Mobley, and Evan Mobley.
Runco began his basketball career at the University of Kansas, where he served as a student manager from 2004 to 2008 under Hall of Fame head coach Bill Self. During that time, he was part of four Big 12 Championship teams and the 2008 National Championship team. He earned his Bachelor of Science in General Studies from Kansas.
Runco and his wife, Ashley, have one daughter named Ruby!
Co-DirectorMike Mackie
Coach Mackie has been a respected part of the Omaha-area grassroots basketball community for more than 18 years. While working within a large basketball organization focused primarily on numbers, he recognized the need for something different for local families—something more personal, meaningful, and relationship-driven.
In 2016, Mike opened a skills training facility that later grew into a successful grassroots basketball program. Through his leadership, more than 50 athletes have gone on to play college basketball.
He has built strong relationships within the Under Armour grassroots program, allowing Midwest Roots athletes the opportunity to compete on one of the premier basketball circuits in the country.
Mike and his wife, Meghan, are proud parents of two daughters, Maesen and Hattie, and honor the memory of their son, Cashton. Outside of basketball, Coach Mackie values family time, outdoor activities, and making lasting memories together.
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