FOR RELEASE
2008-04-01
Huntington, Ind.—Ty Platt will take over as head coach of the Huntington University men’s basketball team, beginning in the 2008-2009 season. Platt succeeds his father, Steve Platt, who coached the Foresters for 14 years.
“I really have a lot of confidence in my son,” Steve Platt said at a press conference earlier today. “I’ll be at the games cheering him on, and I know he’ll be successful.”
Ty Platt will become the 24th head coach in Huntington University’s 80-year men’s basketball history. As the head coach, his objectives will be to “continue to be Christ-centered as a team, graduate players and win basketball games.”
Ty Platt at a press conference earlier today
“I always wanted to coach at the small college level,” Platt said. “I’m a very blessed man.”
“We believe Ty is an excellent choice to help manage a smooth transition in our men’s basketball program,” said Dr. G. Blair Dowden, president. “We are excited about his new leadership role with the team, and we look forward to the development of a new Platt legacy in Forester basketball.”
During his father’s tenure, the younger Platt has served as associate head coach of the Foresters since 2005. He joined the staff after coaching 12 years in the high school ranks. Upon his graduation from Taylor University in 1992, Platt spent a year assisting his former coach, Paul Patterson, before taking the boys’ head coach position at Southwestern High School in Hanover, Ind., the following year. He spent two years there and then took the reins of the Columbus East High School program in Columbus, Ind. After a four-year stint in Columbus, he took over the Ossian, Ind.-based Norwell High School boys’ program in 1999 and remained there for six years. As a head coach, he won more than 125 games, a conference title and a sectional title. His achievements also earned him Coach of the Year honors.
Ty Platt (left) coaching with his father, Steve Platt
As the Foresters’ associate head coach, Platt’s responsibilities are an extension of those of the head coach. He is active in running practices, the recruiting process and administrative duties.
As a player in the successful Taylor University basketball program, Platt scored more than 1,100 points in his career. As a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics All-District player, he helped lead the Trojans to three NAIA National Tournament berths and a final four appearance in 1991. He graduated in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and health. In addition, he earned a Master of Education degree from Indiana Wesleyan University in 1997. Platt currently teaches psychology and health at Norwell High School. He and his wife, Brenda, have three children, Kyle (12), Konner (9) and Kalee (8).
Ty Platt at the 2006 NAIA Celebration at Huntington University
At A Glance
Ty Platt
Huntington University
Associate Head Men’s Basketball Coach
Head Coach beginning in 2008-2009
As Coach
High school head coach for 12 years
Winner of more than 125 games
Coordinated and directed numerous basketball camps
Spoke at a number of camps and clinics
Won Coach of the Year honors
Won Conference title
Won Sectional title
As a Player
1,100 points scored at Taylor University
All-District Player
NAIA Final Four
3 National Tournament appearances
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