It was announced that Western Michigan assistant men’s basketball coach David Kool has accepted a position as the head boy’s basketball coach and Dean of Students at Jenison High School. Kool spent the last two seasons as an assistant on head coach Steve Hawkins’ staff after having been a four-year letterwinner for the Broncos, finishing his career as the program’s all-time leading scorer.

"This has obviously been a tough decision for me," said Kool. "It is going to be difficult saying good-bye to my alma mater. I would like to thank Athletic Director Kathy Beauregard, coach Steve Hawkins, our coaching and support staffs, and the players for all of their commitment and guidance. I am especially grateful to Coach Hawkins not just for what he taught me as my coach, but also for giving me the opportunity to coach at Western Michigan.

"I’m excited for this new opportunity, as it gives me the chance to live my dream of impacting kids in a lot of ways," said Kool. "I look forward to the challenges of being a head coach for the first time in my career, but even moreso to being a positive force for them in their academic endeavors and help them reach their dreams. That’s something that really drives me, and what makes me excited for what’s ahead."

Kool’s last season with the Broncos saw the team post the third-highest single-season wins total in program history at 22-13, win the Mid-American Conference West Division title, and reach the semifinal of the 2013 College Basketball Invitational. With Kool’s help, David Brown earned the MAC Sixth Man of the Year award, Darius Paul was named MAC Freshman of the Year, and two other Broncos – Shayne Whittington and Nate Hutcheson – earned All-MAC accolades.

UPDATE 4:26 P.M. – Head coach Steve Hawkins offers his comments on David Kool taking the Jenison head coach job, as well as the ramifications on the Broncos’ program.

"I’m happy that David has been given the opportunity to run his own program," said Hawkins. "Being a head high school coach of a major program in his local community is something that makes us all incredibly proud."

In regards to naming an assistant to take Kool’s place, Hawkins said that the Broncos will take their time to find the best fit for the program.

"Of course we are sad to lose David, but we’re confident that because of the timing of the situation, as well as the success of our program, we will find a quality candidate to replace him," said Hawkins. "I have two veteran assistants in Clayton Bates and James Holland currently in place that do a great job, and the July recruiting period is far enough away that we are able to be selective. We have already seen candidates show interest."

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