Dylan Howard has been named head coach for the Penn State DuBois men’s basketball team following the departure of head coach Dave Bennett. Howard has served as assistant coach for six years. Bennett, who held the position for eight years, resigned this week to pursue other challenges, and continue to teach and instruct the game that he loves. Coach Bennett’s teams have captured the Penn State Athletic Conference (PSUAC ) Championship twice in his career and have played in the United State Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) National Tournament four times; finishing 2nd in in 2007 and 4th in 2010. With 100+ wins at PSU DuBois, Bennett leaves big shoes to fill.
Coach Howard has been a part of the campus basketball program for 10 years. In addition to his time as assistant coach, he enjoyed an outstanding career at as a player at Penn State DuBois, earning Academic All-Conference honors three times, first team All-Conference player honors in 2008, USCAA All-American Honorable Mention also in 2008, and scoring 1,070 points in his career.
"I am happy for both Dave and Dylan at this time of transition for our campus basketball team," said PSU Athletic Director Ken Nellis. "Dave has created an environment and attitude of excellence on campus and in the community towards academics and basketball. We can’t thank Dave enough for the time, energy, and commitment to his players over the past eight seasons; I will miss having him on the sidelines next season."
Upon his bitter-sweet resignation Coach Bennett said, "I want to thank the administration, faculty, and staff at Penn State DuBois for their support over the past 9 years. Coaching here has been an incredible experience, and I will always cherish the memories. The appreciation that I have for all the outstanding young men who were student-athletes in our program is immeasurable. These young men helped us build a championship level program and create countless memories."
On turning the reigns over to Dylan Howard Bennett stated, "I’ve been fortunate to have had the pleasure of coaching Coach Howard for three years and having him as part of my coaching staff for another six years. Through that time, I have seen Dylan grow and mature into a remarkable basketball coach and leader. He has shown exceptional knowledge of the game, the ability to recruit outstanding student-athletes, and genuine devotion to the success of student-athletes on and off the court. Dylan will be an excellent head coach, and the Penn State DuBois Basketball Program is in great hands going forward."
Nellis commented on Dylan Howard taking over the basketball program, saying, "Dylan has the same philosophy as Coach Bennett towards academics being priority one. The style of play should be similar since they have worked together for many years and have been successful. I am pleased Dylan has accepted the position and do expect the basketball team to continue to do very well in the PSUAC conference and USCAA tournament."
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