Former Oregon Tech basketball standout Justin Parnell has accepted the position of Head Coach for the Hustlin’ Owl men’s basketball program, announced today by Director of Athletics Michael Schell.
Parnell, a NAIA First-Team All-American in 2010 for Tech, takes over the post after veteran coach Danny Miles’ retirement in 2016 which spanned the past 45 seasons.
Parnell expressed his excitement about taking over the storied program. “I am thrilled to take over the Oregon Tech basketball program, a program that is deeply rooted in my life and my family’s lives. When you pair the administration, faculty and top notch academic programs with the most loyal fan base in the country, it’s hard to argue that this isn’t one of the best NAIA coaching jobs you can find.
I promise to continue leading this program with integrity, passion and class. We will continue to recruit the “right fit” student-athletes, and will push them on the court and in the classroom to make the Oregon Tech family and Klamath Basin community proud.
I would like to thank Oregon Tech President, Dr. Chris Maples and Athletic Director, Mike Schell for the opportunity of a lifetime, and I’m looking forward to continuing the tradition here at Oregon Tech. I’d also like to thank Danny Miles for the years of mentorship and the vote of confidence in taking over the program. Having the opportunity to learn this past year as the Associate Head Coach has allowed me to put together a challenging 2016-17 game schedule and bring in my first recruiting class – a class I’m really excited about. It has also allowed me to create a relationship with the players returning.
My goal as head coach is not to be the legendary Danny Miles, but to use the foundation he has established and build upon it. The game plans may be different, or the approach adjusted, but we will continue to focus on what it means to be an “Oregon Tech Guy.”
Through our teaching and philosophies, I hope to honor the integrity of the program, university and all of the former “Oregon Tech Men.” My wife, Joey, and I fell in love with the Klamath Basin seven years ago and can’t wait to raise our family and enjoy a long career of on- and off-court success here. Go Owls!
A year after his initial coaching stint with the Owls in 2011, Parnell began working with Oregon Tech Alumni Relations (2012-2015), first as Alumni Coordinator and then as Alumni Relations Manager, working out of the university’s Wilsonville campus. In 2012, Parnell was the Head Coach at Lost River High School, where he guided the Raiders to a 19-9 record, SCL League Championship and a spot in the OSAA State Playoffs. Parnell was named SCL Coach of the Year during that span. In 2013, Justin rejoined the Oregon Tech Coaching Staff for one year. During the 2014-15 season, while working at the Oregon Tech Wilsonville campus, Parnell was an assistant coach for the Clackamas Community College women before arriving back in Klamath Falls last season as the Associate Head Coach during Danny Miles’ last season.
“I am delighted that Oregon Tech has found a men’s head basketball coach who is as steeped in the Oregon Tech culture as Justin Parnell,” said Oregon Tech President Chris Maples. “It is incredibly challenging to take over a program from a coaching legend, such as Danny Miles, but I know that Coach Parnell not only will rise to the challenge, but relishes the opportunity to build on the unparalleled success of Coach Miles and his 1040 coaching wins. Justin really is an ‘Oregon Tech Guy’ and will bring his passion, knowledge, and individual success to the head coaching position.”
Parnell, a Sutherlin, Oregon native, played two seasons at Oregon Tech (2008-10), averaging 17.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and five assists during that span. Parnell was named Cascade Collegiate Conference Newcomer of the Year after the 2009 season, while earning CCC Player of the Year accolades at the conclusion of the 2010 season.
Parnell became Oregon Tech’s seventh NAIA First-Team All-American in 2010, while earning NAIA Honorable Mention honors in his first season with the Owls. Parnell led Oregon Tech to two-straight CCC regular-season and tournament titles, a pair of Sweet 16 appearances at the NAIA Division II men’s basketball championships, and never lost a game playing on Danny Miles Court (38-0).
Photo Courtesy Oregon Tech Athletics
