Apr. 18 , 2007
MARIETTA, Ohio — Former Albion (Mich.) College standout and Ohio Wesleyan University assistant coach Jon VanderWal has been named the new Marietta College men's basketball coach. The announcement came from Athletics Director Debbie Lazorik Wednesday (Apr. 18) afternoon.

VanderWal, the 15th coach since the program began in 1901-02, replaces Doug Foote, who resigned after 15 years at the helm of the Pioneers in February.

"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 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, who went 18-10 in 2006-07, finished third in the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) during the regular season and advanced to the championship game of the NCAC 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 College, where he earned a master's degree in education. He helped guide the Yellow Jackets to a Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) regular season and HCAC Tournament runners-up finish in 2002 and a HCAC Tournament semifinal appearance in 2003.

VanderWal, who majored in history with a minor in physical education, graduated from Albion 2001. He was a four-year letterman and three-year starter with the Britons. The two-time Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) selection was a captain during his senior season.

The Cadillac, Mich., native is a member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). He has worked a variety of summer basketball camps throughout the region over the past 10 years.

"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."

Jon VanderWal was named Marietta's men's basketball coach Wednesday afternoon