Tolin named coach at Oklahoma Baptist

SHAWNEE, Okla. (AP) -- Oklahoma Baptist named Doug Tolin as its coach Thursday to continue to build the school's basketball tradition. <br><br>Tolin has been coach at Norman High School the past six

Thursday, April 20th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

SHAWNEE, Okla. (AP) -- Oklahoma Baptist named Doug Tolin as its coach Thursday to continue to build the school's basketball tradition.

Tolin has been coach at Norman High School the past six years and has a 117-44 record there with one state championship. The Tigers were runners-up this season and in 1996.

"He brings a proven record for building a comprehensive program," said university President Mark Brister.

"He has an enthusiasm that is very contagious and he is very solid in his ability to coach basketball and motivate young men in a positive way," athletic director Norris Russell said.

Bob Hoffman, who had been coach for nine years, resigned last year to become head coach at Texas-Pan American. Marcello Gomes served as interim head coach for the 1999-2000 season.

OBU finished an injury-plagued season at 22-11.

Tolin has been executive secretary of the Oklahoma Basketball Coaches Association since 1990. He has been a coach since 1976 with stints at Norman, Ada, Ponca City, Western Heights and Blackwell.

Tolin's son Kyle had signed a basketball letter of intent with rival Oklahoma Christian, but Eagles coach Dan Hays has agreed to release him so that he can play for his father.

Tolin said he would retain Lance Johnston as an assistant coach.