WMU News

Hawkins completes Bronco men's basketball staff

April 14, 2000

KALAMAZOO -- WMU head men's basketball coach Robert McCullum has hired Steve Hawkins (Quincy College) as assistant men's basketball coach, filling the final available full-time position on his staff.

McCullum, named the Broncos' new head coach on March 15, hired Lorenzo Neely and Clayton Bates as assistants earlier.

Hawkins recently completed his ninth season as head coach of the program at Quincy University in Illinois. The Ventura, Calif., native guided the Hawks to an overall record of 137-111, which included three NCAA Division II Tournament appearances in the past seven years.

In only his, third year at Quincy, Hawkins guided the Hawks to a 19-9 record and the first of their back-to-back NCAA berths. The following year, 1994-95, Quincy advanced to the Great Lakes Region semifinals and finished with a 23-7 record. QU also competed in the tournament in 1996-97. Professionally, he was named the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association NCAA Division II Coach of the Year on four occasions.

"Steve has gained some valuable experience in one of the top Division II conferences in the nation," McCullum said. "I have known Steve for almost 16 years and know he will do an excellent job and be a fine addition to our staff."

McCullum and Hawkins first met at the University of South Alabama, where the two worked together for three seasons (1985-87) under head coach Mike Hanks. McCullum was an assistant coach at that time and Hawkins served as a student assistant.

"The big thing for me is the chance to get back together with Robert," Hawkins said. "He described to me the commitment by Western Michigan to the program and the excitement surrounding it as well. I am looking forward to joining the Bronco family."

Media contact: Scott Kuykendall; 616 387-4138; scott.kuykendall@wmich.edu


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