Following-up on something that I first mentioned back on June 1st (D3 DIRT). The hiring of Michael McClendon at Springfield College has now been made official. Here’s the release from SC:
Springfield College Director of Athletics, Dr. Craig Poisson, is pleased to announce that Michael McClendon has been named the head men’s basketball coach and assistant professor of physical education at Springfield College.
McClendon comes to Springfield College after spending the last two years as the head men’s basketball coach at Middlesex County Community College.
“Coach McClendon’s holistic philosophy of coaching – and of life – along with his commitment to the development of the whole student fits both our teacher-coach model and Humanics Philosophy very well. Under his leadership, our student-athletes will be put in a position to thrive in all their pursuits, and I eagerly await Coach McClendon joining the community at the Birthplace of Basketball,” said Poisson.
Prior to his time at Middlesex County, McClendon spent four years at the NCAA Division III level as the head junior varsity coach and head varsity assistant coach at the College of Mount Saint Vincent. He also spent time as an assistant coach at Felician College coaching in the NCAA Division II ranks, as well as at Raritan Valley Community, St. Paul’s Prep, and Absegami High School. Additionally, McClendon has also been the co-director of the AAU program, Pure Basketball.
A native of New Jersey, McClendon played two seasons at both Atlantic Cape College and Wesley College. He went on to earn his Bachelor’s from Caldwell College and later completed his Masters in Athletic Administration and Coaching from Concordia University-Irvine.
“First I would like to thank Director of Athletics, Dr. Craig Poisson, search committee co-chairs Naomi Graves and Brian Magoffin, and the entire search committee for the great opportunity to lead the Springfield College men’s basketball program. They truly made me feel welcomed and understood the vision I have for our student athletes on and off the court. I would also like to thank Dr. Sue Guyer for believing in my abilities to lead and teach our students in the classroom”, said McClendon. “I am incredibly humbled and honored to be a part of the Springfield College family and community and I cannot wait to build on the legacy of the men’s basketball program that was put in place by previous coaches, most recently in Coach Charlie Brock. I look forward to working with not only our college community but also our neighboring communities through various civil engagements and community service, and my family and I cannot wait to call the Birthplace of Basketball our new home.”
McClendon will take over a Springfield College men’s basketball program that has a deep and storied tradition. For a program that dates back to 1905, McClendon is just the 15th head men’s basketball coach at the Birthplace of Basketball and only the fifth since 1966.
