by: NICK ALVARADO/Editorial Assistant
As the new basketball season approaches, the South Plains College men’s basketball team has a new assistant basketball coach.
Jase Herl, a Goodland, Kan. native, is ready to take on this new task ahead.
“I have been coaching for five years in my career,” Herl said. “I’m excited to coach this group of kids and to compete in the league.”
Herl earned a Bachelor of Science Degree at Colorado Mesas University, located in Junction, Colo., and received his master’s degree in Athletic Administration and Coaching from Concordia University. While at Colorado Mesas, Herl played basketball and earned the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference first team, as well as Defensive Player of the Year honors in the conference and all-academic first team. He also was also ranked in the top 13 in five statistical categories. He also played basketball at Dodge City Community College, located in Dodge City, Kan., prior to attending Colorado Mesas University.
Herl will be involved in the recruitment of players, assisting players with course schedules and in their work in the classroom. Herl comes to SPC from Northwest Kansas Technical College, which is located in Goodland, Kan., where he led the program to the National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association Region VI tournament semifinals and a second consecutive 20-win season. He also earned an impressive 56 wins, the most by any coach under the age of 30 in the NJCAA.
Herl has coached five players who have moved on to Division I teams as well, including Northwest Kansas’ first Division I signee, Gian Clavell. Herl’s players have received awards including the NJCAA Region IV All-Tournament Team and NJCAA All-American honors.
Herl also served as an assistant coach at Colorado Mesas alongside Jim Heaps.
The Texans are known for having a winning tradition and having placed national runner-up at last season’s NJCAA national tournament. They expect to make another appearance at the national tournament in Hutchinson, Kan., once again, but this time, they hope to be crowned national champions.
Herl is also pleased to be at SPC because of the location as well.
“I like it here a lot.” Herl said. “It’s close to Lubbock.”
As the Texans prepare for the 2015-2016 season, expectations remain high from the coaching staff.
“My expectations are to help guys graduate and win games,” Herl said.
The Texans look to remain not only a conference power, but a national power as well.
The Texas will have 10 fresh faces on the team and three players returning from last season, including Dino Muminovic, Diamante Langston and Marlon Jones. The Texans will play 16 home games this season, starting with the first home game on Oct. 31, when they take on Carl Albert State College, located in Poteau, Okla., in Plano.
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