2008 Woodie Awards
Molinari takes the reins
Ken Woods
Issue date: 4/11/08 Section: Sports
The Western Illinois Athletics Department held a press conference Friday morning to officially hand the reins of the men's basketball program to Jim Molinari.
Molinari had served as an assistant at Ball State, Minnesota and DePaul and has also been a head coach at Bradley and Northern Illinois. In 14 seasons, his overall record is 233-186.
Being an Illinois native is one of the factors that attracted him to the head coaching position.
"I think knowing what type of school it is, 93 percent of the students are from Illinois," Molinari said. "My background, a lot of your success has to do with your background and where my recruiting contacts are. I was aware of Tim and the geographic location."
Molinari expressed his interest in the program and the opportunity to build on the current foundation. He has previous experience within the collegiate ranks and feels that this was a good situation for him.
"I was excited, and I thought this was a fit. I was really excited, and I'm still excited," Molinari said. "The real excitement comes when you get in the middle of it. This is right. It felt right. I was tremendously elated, and I feel a great burden and responsibility they're showing confidence in me, and I am going to take that responsibility."
Athletics Director Dr. Tim Van Alstine previously stated that the program needs to build a home court advantage, and Molinari shares the same vision. Molinari said students will need to get more involved with the program.
He is prepared to get the student body and players alike more involved with the success of the program.
"I have to encourage our young men that if you want students here, then they have to become a part of their students life," Molinari said. "We have to get students involved and create more of a home court advantage. We have to play a style and brand that people identify with."
For years, Western Hall has been the stable for the 'Necks. The atmosphere at home has always been important to getting support.
Molinari had served as an assistant at Ball State, Minnesota and DePaul and has also been a head coach at Bradley and Northern Illinois. In 14 seasons, his overall record is 233-186.
Being an Illinois native is one of the factors that attracted him to the head coaching position.
"I think knowing what type of school it is, 93 percent of the students are from Illinois," Molinari said. "My background, a lot of your success has to do with your background and where my recruiting contacts are. I was aware of Tim and the geographic location."
Molinari expressed his interest in the program and the opportunity to build on the current foundation. He has previous experience within the collegiate ranks and feels that this was a good situation for him.
"I was excited, and I thought this was a fit. I was really excited, and I'm still excited," Molinari said. "The real excitement comes when you get in the middle of it. This is right. It felt right. I was tremendously elated, and I feel a great burden and responsibility they're showing confidence in me, and I am going to take that responsibility."
Athletics Director Dr. Tim Van Alstine previously stated that the program needs to build a home court advantage, and Molinari shares the same vision. Molinari said students will need to get more involved with the program.
He is prepared to get the student body and players alike more involved with the success of the program.
"I have to encourage our young men that if you want students here, then they have to become a part of their students life," Molinari said. "We have to get students involved and create more of a home court advantage. We have to play a style and brand that people identify with."
For years, Western Hall has been the stable for the 'Necks. The atmosphere at home has always been important to getting support.
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