BRADLEY CAMPBELL NAMES FULL-TIME HEAD COACH OF MUSTANG'S MEN'S BASKETBALL

LONDON, Ont. – Bradley Campbell is the new full-time head coach of the Western Mustangs men’s basketball program.

Campbell guided the Mustangs to an 11-11 record and an OUA playoff berth as interim head coach last season.

“I couldn't be more pleased to continue as the head basketball coach here at Western,” Campbell said. “As a former player and coach, I understand the tradition and the expectations of the program. I consider myself honored to continue the legacy of great Western coaches such as Doug Hayes and Craig Boydell.”

The former Mustang forward replaced 14-year bench-boss Craig Boydell this season, leading Western to their first post-season berth in four years. Western lost to Guelph in the OUA West divisional final.

“We have been evaluating the men's basketball coaching situation for the past several months,” said Michael Lysko, Director of Sports and Recreation Services at the University of Western Ontario. “This past season provided Brad with the opportunity to begin to put his own stamp on the program, and we were pleased with the progress he made, both in terms of game preparation and recruiting. We are looking forward to Brad's contribution to re-establishing our men's basketball program as one of the top programs in the CIS.”

A former player under both Boydell and five-time CIS champion coach Dave Smart (Carleton University) while a student at Nepean High School in Ottawa, Campbell is well versed in the sport.

Boydell says he is happy with the appointment of his successor.

“I could not be more pleased with the commitment that the University has made to our basketball and athletic program with the appointment of Brad Campbell as the full time head coach.” “Brad has been an important part of the success of our program in many ways for over a decade,” Boydell said. “So to have this kind of history and continuity on top of the outstanding professional and personal qualities that Coach Campbell brings to this position is a tremendous bonus.”

“I am proud of what he has done and know I will be proud of his accomplishments for a long time to come.”

As a player, Campbell played his first season in 1991-92. He also served as acting head coach of the Mustangs when Boydell took medical leave in the 2004-05 season.

A solid recruiter, Campbell has already secured Youngstown State (NCAA Div. 1) transfer Colin LaForme and Burlington high school grad Garrett Olexiuk. Two other major recruiting announcements are expected to be announced later this month.

(Source: Andy Watson, Western Mustangs, Sports Information)