University of Arkansas, Monticello, has named Kyle Tolin as the school's new men's basketball head coach.
"I am extremely excited and honored to become the head men's basketball coach at the University of Arkansas at Monticello," said Tolin in a statement. "I look forward to getting started and adding to the success of UAM Basketball."
Tolin joins Arkansas after serving as assistant coach at Oklahoma Baptist University for a decade and four years as a student-athlete. Under his leadership, Bison appeared at 14 consecutive NAIA national tournaments and won championship in 2010. The team finished as runners-up in 2002 and 2012. During his 14-year stint with the university, the team's best record of 34-2 was posted in 2010 national championship. Their overall record in the national tournament was 30-12.
During his tenure, Bison secured three secured Sooner Athletic Conference championships from 2010-2012.
"We have found the perfect person to move our basketball program forward," said UAM Director of Athletics Chris Ratcliff. "Kyle embodies all the characteristics we want in our coach. He knows what it takes to win at the small college level. He follows the rules and his players will toe the line. I know we have a winner in Kyle. It is an exciting time to be a Boll Weevil."
As a student-athlete at Oklahoma Baptist, Tolin scored over 1,000 points and averaged 3 assists per game overall. He was a two-time All-SAC honorable mention and was named OBU's Senior Male Athlete of the Year in 2004.
Tolin, 33, holds a bachelor's degree in history education from Oklahoma Baptist in 2004 and later master's degree in sports administration from East Central University in 2006.
