Explosion Coach Randy Redwine Steps Down After Two Years as Head Coach

December 4, 2008 - International Basketball League (IBL)
Snohomish County Explosion News Release


MONROE, Wash. - December 3rd, 2008 -

"It was a great honor to have Randy as the head coach for the Explosion's first two seasons, and I cannot thank him enough for his time and energy." said Nathan Mumm, President of Courtyard Media Foundation. "We understand that coaching the team takes tons of time and personal energy and Randy deserves to enjoy life and basketball at a pace that is conducive to his lifestyle. Randy will always be a part of the Explosion family and we will have tickets reserved for him at every home game for many seasons to come!"

With a record of 31-15 as the head coach, Randy has accomplished what he set out to do from the organizations first day "Win games and be competitive". After a surprise first round knockout in the IBL West Tournament to Central Oregon last year, the Explosion will now be seeking a new head coach. General manager Brad Sturlaugson has narrowed his list of managerial candidates to six - including former Explosion sharp shooter Chris Weakley and previous head coach from Northwest Indian College Jamie Sluys.

Sturlaugson will interview Weakley, a player that has been with the Explosion organization since its inception, later this week in California. "Every coach in the big leagues got his start somewhere. This could be what happens here,'' Sturlaugson said. "I wouldn't be surprised if we end up with a local candidate that is very popular in the local area as I have my eyes and ears open.'' The list also includes former NBA players that live locally along with past IBL coaches for the head coaching spot.

Sturlaugson calls organizational ties like the one Weakley has with Explosion "a plus," but not the deciding factor. Both Sturlaugson and Mumm hope to have the first round of interviews completed this weekend and said that the one common thread among the current candidates is they all have backgrounds in winning organizations.

"We are not very far away from putting a championship team together", Sturlaugson comments, adding that the eventual coaching choice will need to supply energy and enthusiasm to the team. "We can't thank Randy enough for his contribution getting this organization off the ground floor, without him, we would not be where we are today as a team. Now, we need to move forward and take the next step in the team's future."

"We want to win right now." Mumm said, "Looking back and seeing that Bellingham won the Championship and the Explosion went 1-2 during the season against them gives us great hope.'' Sturlaugson added the time is now. "We'll give it our best shot for 2009 and keep a much more stable lineup. How realistic that is, we'll have to see how as the team begins to unfold, and how the new group of players work with a new style and direction.''

"I know what the fans want. said Mumm. It was fun here last year but we were an old team that could not come out at halftime with the young legs other teams had, so the organization is looking to go much younger." "We were in contention all last year but could not keep a stable core of players all season long, this is an area we need to correct this year."

The Explosion look to begin open tryouts in January and look to have a coach named and in place before Christmas. Season tickets are on sale for as low as $70.00 for the complete season at www.explosionbasketball.net or by phone at 425 339-2255 (BALL).



International Basketball League Stories from December 4, 2008


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