Nick Hager is no longer the head men’s basketball coach at D3 Bethany College (WVa). He has been replaced by Associate Athletic Director Mike Worrell.
Hager went 62-85 (.422) in his six seasons as the Bison’s head coach. There was no statement issued from Bethany regarding his departure. The college did however released the following on the hiring of Worrell:
Associate Director of Athletics Mike Worrell has been named head coach of the men’s basketball program.
Worrell becomes the 27th head coach in program history after spending the last three years as the Associate Director of Athletics for the Bison. Last season, Worrell returned to the sidelines, serving as the men’s basketball assistant.
“We are pleased to appoint Mike Worrell as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach given his extensive experience in team development, competitive strategy and a commitment to our scholar-athletes success” said Dr. Rodenberg.
Worrell, a native of Northwest Ohio, came to Bethany after spending 22 years roaming the sidelines as the Head Basketball Coach at Illinois College. His responsibilities not only included coaching, he also served as game administrator and an instructor in their physical education program.
“I want to thank President Rodenberg for giving me the opportunity to lead Bethany College’s men’s basketball program” stated Worrell. “I am humbled and excited for the chance to lead this program into the future.”
During his time in Jacksonville, Il. Worrell was the two-time Midwest Conference Coach of the Year and led the Blueboys to the 2003 NCAA Tournament, the school’s first ever trip. He has served on several campus wide and national committees including the building committee for the construction of the $22 million dollar Bruner Recreation Center and the NABC Congress.
Prior to working at Illinois College, Worrell served as the Assistant Basketball Coach at the College of Wooster, heading up the “Succeeding as a Student-Athlete” program. He has also spent time at Ashland University and Urbana University.
Worrell earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and History from Urbana University and his Master of Science degree from Ashland University in Education and Sport Sciences.
