The search for a new men’s head basketball coach has begun at UW-Platteville.

“We’re preparing and getting stuff ready to go out and do a nation search which will begin immediately,” Mark Molesworth, UW-P athletic director, said.

UW-P posted the application for head coach and lecturer that is due May 18 on the UW-P Sports

Web site. Some of the requirements that UW-P is looking for is somebody with coaching experience and education background.

Photograph by Kate Olsen
UW-Platteville started the search for a new head men’s basketball coach. Comb’s last day is June 30.

“They need to be able to recruit, have public relations skills, fundraise and manage budget and make students achieve academically,” Molesworth said.

“We prefer college experience, if they’re out of high school ranks they need a track record of success,” Molesworth said.

Assistant Coach Jeff Gard is one of the applicants for the job. According to the UW-P Sports

Information Web site, Gard returned to UW-P in 2003-04 and was promoted to No.1 assistant coach position in 2006-2007. He spent two years as an assistant coach at Lakeland college prior to coming back to UW-P. He was also worked at Cuba City High School under legendary coach Jerry Petitgoue.

“I have been fortunate to be tagged with Platteville as a student athlete and undergrad, leaving and coming back for my masters and as an assistant coach,” Gard said. “I want to give back to the community and the school that is so special to me. It has been a big part of my life.”

Gard helped coach this years’ team to the NCAA tournament and wants to continue to build up the success of Pioneer men’s basketball and the student athletes.

“It’s an opportunity for me to be with the athletes that I recruited and to continue the success,” Gard said.

In addition to Head Coach Paul Combs leaving, Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Levon Crawford has decided to resign from the position to spend time with his recently expanded family.