Delta College Director of Athletics Shelly Raube has named former Benedictine College assistant Kyle Blackbourn as the Pioneers next men’s basketball head coach. "We are looking to build a Championship Culture within our men’s basketball program and Kyle is the right coach for the job. His passion, excitement and energy to develop young men is apparent." Raube continues to state, "Kyle will contribute, add and benefit not only the young men in his program but Delta College as well."
"I am extremely excited about this opportunity and the future of Delta College basketball," Blackbourn said. "I share the vision with the athletics department of building high character athletes, with a commitment to academics. We will play an exciting brand of basketball with a focus on player development to get the most out of our athletes on the floor. This is a great time to be a part of Delta College basketball, and to be part of starting a winning tradition, the Delta way."
Blackbourn comes to Delta from Benedictine College, coming off one of the most memorable seasons the program has seen. The 2013/14 Ravens finished with a 23-9 record, winning the Heart of America Athletic Conference, and winning a game at the national tournament. Overall the Ravens had a 41-21 ercord in hi stwo years with the program. At Benedictine Coach Blackbourn had the opportunity to work for 2013/14 HAAC caoch of the year Ryan Moody. As well as being involved in all aspects of player development and working with Honorable Mention All-American and 1st Team All-Conference award winner Charlie Wallrapp, 2nd Team All-Conference award winner John Harris Jr., Honorable Mention All-Conference Jonathan Anaekwe, and Defensive Player of the Year Jallen Messersmith.
Blackbourn’s primary resposibilities were recruting, individual workouts, and perimeter player development. His other duties included film exchange, team travel, film breakdowns and opponent scouting.
Blackbourn spen the 2011/12 season at Grand View University, in Des Moines, Iowa. While at Grand View, Blackbourn helped GVU to a 17-13 record and an appearance in the conference chapionship game. He also worked directly with two first team MCC performers in kevin Smith and Kody Ingle.
Prior to GVU, Blackbourn spent the 2010/11 season as the head women’s assistant for Clarke University, in Dubuque, Iowa. While at Clarke, Blackbourn helped CU to the most wins the program has seen in nine seasons. He also worked with newcomer of the year Brittany Collier.
Blackbourn also spent three seasons at Shullsburg High School, in Shullsburg, WI. During the 2007-2010 seasons, Blackbourn served as head boy’s varsity assistant, while running his own junior varsity program. In the 2006/07 season Blackbourn began his coaching career at Scales Mound High School, in Scales Mound, IL. He served as the head boys’s varsity assistant.
Blackbourn earned a Physical Education degree from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, while also obtaining a minor in heath education, a certificate in adapted physical education and an endorsement in coaching. He is currently scheduled to receive his master’s in Educational Leadership from Benedictine College in the summer of 2014
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