By: Collin Moore, staff writer
As the men’s basketball team prepares for the 2017-2018 season, the team will have two new assistant coaches on the bench.
The new additions: Jon Bishop and Brad Karli.
Bishop graduated from Lancaster Bible College in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies and sports management. While earning his degree, he assisted the boys’ varsity team at Elizabethtown High School.
Additionally, in the past two seasons, Bishop was an assistant coach at Cairn University. Prior to that, he had another assistant position for the men’s team at Penn State Altoona.
“I am excited to be a part of the culture at LVC,” Bishop said. “I believe that this is a very special group of guys and it will be an amazing first year for me.”
Outside of basketball, Bishop is currently working on his master’s degree in counseling.
As for Brad Karli, prior to being at LVC, he spent 15 years at Elizabethtown College. He spent four years as a student-athlete and 11 years as an assistant coach for the Blue Jays.
In 2009, Karli was named the head assistant men’s coach at Bloomsburg where he coached for six years. During his time there, he led the Huskies to three straight PSAC playoff appearances as well as the program’s first post-season victory since 2001 during the 2013-14 season.
“I believe that I’m most excited about working with the young men on and off the court,” Karli said. “During my time at Bloomsburg and Elizabethtown, mentoring and inspiring young men was the best part of my job.”
Last season the Dutchmen finished with a 16-11 record, clinching the MAC semi-final before being taken down by Lycoming. This year, the team returns all but two players. The Dutchmen will be led by team captains Will Boccanfuso, Sam Light and Andy Orr.
“We have very high expectations for this year and I know that it will not be easy,” Karli said. “Practices will be extremely competitive, but we realize that we are all one team and one family and with that being said, our first practice on Oct. 15 can’t come soon enough.”
The season looks bright for the men’s basketball team. As LVC head coach Brad McAlester enters his 24th season, it’s very likely he will push his players for another conference championship with the help of his staff.