Welling set for final season at Owens CC

10/28/2005

Jim Welling, men's basketball coach at Owens Community College, has announced that his 20th season will be his last.

Although he is stepping down as basketball coach, Welling will continue to serve as the college's director of student enrichment and athletics, as well as head coach of the new Express golf program.

He began his career at Owens in the 1986 and has compiled a career record of 524-120. He has recorded only one losing season during his 19-year tenure at Owens, leading the Express to NJCAA Division II national championships in 1992 and 1993.

His squads have captured seven Great Lakes Region XII Championships, nine Ohio Community College Athletic Conference tournament championships, and eight OCCAC conference championships.

Welling has been named coach of the year five times by the OCCAC, seven times by Region XII, and twice by the NJCAA Division II.

"The accomplishments that this program has achieved during the last 19 years are not just about victories," Welling said. "They are about helping our student-athletes develop lifelong skills that will enable them to succeed in their academic, athletic, and career aspirations. I love teaching and working with young people and it feels great to make a difference in their lives."

Owens opens its season at home Nov. 4 against Kellogg CC.