Ohio Wesleyan assistant coach Jon VanderWal has been named the Marietta men's basketball coach. The announcement came from athletics director Debbie Lazorik Wednesday afternoon, April 18
VanderWal, the 15th coach since the program began in 1901-02, replaces Doug Foote, who resigned in February after 15 years at the helm of the Pioneers.
"I would like to thank Debbie and the entire Marietta College administration and staff for giving me the opportunity to become the head men's basketball coach at Marietta," said VanderWal.
VanderWal, who was a standout player at Albion, had been the assistant coach of Ohio Wesleyan's program for the past four seasons. His duties with the Battling Bishops included head junior varsity coach, recruiting coordinator, strength and conditioning coach and academic coordinator.
Ohio Wesleyan, which went 18-10 in 2006-07, finished third in the North Coast Athletic Conference during the regular season and advanced to the championship game of the conference tournament. In addition to his basketball responsibilities, VanderWal was the marketing and promotions director with the Battling Bishops and taught in the physical education department.
"We welcome Jon to our department," Lazorik said. "His successful background as a player and coach, as well as his understanding of and commitment to the Division III philosophy will help move our program forward."
Before taking the job at Ohio Wesleyan, VanderWal spent two years as the assistant at Defiance, where he earned a master's degree in education. He helped guide the Yellow Jackets to a Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference regular season and HCAC Tournament runners-up finish in 2002 and a conference tournament semifinal appearance in 2003.
VanderWal, who majored in history with a minor in physical education, graduated from Albion in 2001. He was a four-year letterman and three-year starter with the Britons. The two-time Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association selection was a captain during his senior season.
"I am looking forward to the challenge of building a program that will compete at a high level in the extremely competitive Ohio Athletic Conference," VanderWal said. "I truly believe Marietta College has great potential and I look forward to leading the men's basketball program toward achieving our goals."
Marietta will open the 2007-08 season on the road at Gettysburg's tipoff tournament on Nov. 16-17. Joining the Pioneers will be host Gettysburg, Messiah and Wesley.