Former Oregon Tech basketball standout, Justin Parnell, has accepted the position of Associate 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, joins Head Coach Danny Miles and assistants Mike Pisan and Paul Poetsch on the coaching staff beginning July 1. This will be Parnell’s third stint on the Hustlin’ Owls staff, holding assistant coaching positions during the 2010-11 and 2012-13 seasons.
“I am very pleased that Justin will be coming on with us,” said Miles. “He is an Oregon Tech guy and will be a great addition to our staff.”
Parnell expressed his excitement about rejoining the Owls and returning to Klamath Falls: “I’d like to thank the search committee, Athletic Director Mike Schell and President Chris Maples for the opportunity to return to my alma mater,” said Parnell. “I have tremendous respect for Oregon Tech, and I am absolutely thrilled to be back in the Klamath Basin and part of the Hustlin’ Owls program again.”
After his initial coaching stints with the Owls, in 2012 Parnell began working with Oregon Tech Alumni Relations, first as Scholarship and Alumni Coordinator and then as Alumni Relations Manager, working out of the university’s Wilsonville campus. Justin was instrumental in doubling alumni participation and reigniting the Golden Owls reunion. He also instituted Philanthropy Awareness Week on both the Klamath Falls and Wilsonville campuses, educating students about the positive impact of giving back to ones’ alma mater. Justin was able to bring back more than 35 alumni basketball players for the annual Alumni Basketball Weekend; and he partnered with student support services in Wilsonville to launch the College to Career Alumni Speaker Series.
“Justin has used his passion about Oregon Tech to engage alumni in paying it forward to the next generation of students,” said Oregon Tech President Chris Maples. “He truly is an Oregon Tech guy who will bring his focus, determination, and love for the university to his coaching.”
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)
“Not only is the Basin home for my family, but the strong academic reputation and championship culture make this an incredible opportunity,” Parnell continues. “I have the utmost respect for Danny Miles, and I’m grateful to learn from one of the most successful, respected and honorable men in the game of basketball. I can’t wait to get back on the bench in front of the most loyal fans in the country.”
Parnell returns to Klamath Falls with his wife Joey, also an Oregon Tech graduate, and their six-month-old son Jace, who is already one of the Hustlin’ Owls biggest fans. Parnell holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from Oregon Tech.
Oregon Tech begins its 2015-16 campaign at the Southern Oregon Classic beginning October 30 versus Simpson University, and October 31 against New Hope Christian College. Both games begin at noon in Ashland.
