TERRE HAUTE — Terre Haute native Clint Weddle took a few steps up the women’s college basketball coaching ladder in May when he was hired as an assistant coach for the University of Indianapolis, which plays in the Division II Great Lakes Valley Conference.
Hired by the Greyhounds at the age of 25, Weddle had already picked up two years of experience as a head coach at Oakland City University.
Weddle’s coaching career for the Mighty Oaks commenced as soon as his playing career for the Oaks concluded. He finished as Oakland City’s fifth all-time leading scorer, taking second-team All-American honors in the National Christian College Association during his junior and senior years.
Weddle, who said he was more of a defensive stopper during his days playing for coaching legend Jim Jones at Terre Haute North, was a shooter for the Oaks.
“I don’t know what happened, I started scoring a lot of points,” Weddle said.
He holds the single season record for 3-pointers (108) and the career record for 3-pointers.
In addition to a stellar playing career, Weddle accumulated a collection of degrees: a B.S. in business management and a B.S. in business education with a minor in psychology and a vocational education endorsement and a master’s degree in scientific management.
Weddle was no stranger to women’s basketball, having watched as many of his younger sister Kristen Weddle’s games at Terre Haute South and Indiana State as his busy schedule allowed. Kristen finished up her successful basketball career for Coach Jim Wiedie this spring. The former Sycamore has taken her talents to the business world, working with the sales/marketing team at WTHI-TV 10.
“With Kristen playing, I was fortunate to watch her whenever I could,” Weddle said. “I was familiar with the women’s game. [The Oakland City job] just seemed like the right fit for me.”
Weddle said he was excited for his sister and the basketball fans of Terre Haute to have the success they have the past few years.
“Getting the whole city all fired up, I wish I could’ve spent more time watching them play,” he said of the Indiana State team’s run to a 27-6 record and a second straight appearance in the WNIT. “The women’s game has progressed so much. I really enjoy watching women’s basketball.”
The challenge of running his own program was exciting to Weddle and turned out to be a great chance to prove himself as a coach.
“I was fortunate enough to have that kind of fall in my lap,” he said. “I came into stuff a little bit green. [The Oaks] hadn’t had a winning season in six years.”
Weddle turned things around in a hurry, with 17-12 and 18-12 seasons. His Oakland City teams finished third and second respectively in the NCCA Tournament.
“It was definitely a good stepping stone to get myself involved in the college game,” Weddle said. “Everybody kind of finds their niche. I was fortunate this opportunity came open. There was positives with players returning.”
Instead of being in charge, Weddle now answers to U of Indy head coach Teri Moren, a former Purdue player.
“My main responsibility is going to be more geared toward recruiting, a lot of individual work with players and day-to-day operations,” said Weddle. “I feel very fortunate to work with Coach [Teri] Moren. [Assistant] coach [Sarah] Shackle has been here three years now. For me personally, I don’t think there could be a better situation. They’ve had so much success here. I’m going to do the best I can to bring as many positives.”
Like many college coaches, Weddle is busy this month recruiting. He said being in Indianapolis is a big plus when it comes to recruiting.
“We’re able to recruit a lot of different facets, with Cincinnati and Louisville, and Indiana high school basketball being as good as it is,” Weddle said. “Having an opportunity to recruit at U of I, with so many academic standards and such a rich tradition, there are a lot of advantages for us recruiting wise. That’s the part I really enjoy is spending time watching kids play.”
From playing for Jim Jones at North, where “they teach you a lot of good things about running a program,” to running his own program at Oakland City, Weddle is on the right track to making a quick ascent up the coaching ladder.
“Having had the opportunity to be a head coach right off the bat is probably a situation that geared me in a positive way,” Weddle said. “I consider this a major step up from where I was at previously. I just want to do the best job I can while I have this opportunity. Any time you deal with coaching, you go where things take you. Everybody’s has to have a job they can do. I just feel fortunate to still be involved in basketball. I couldn’t be any happier. I’m so excited to go to work every day.”
Craig Pearson can be reached by phone after 4 p.m. at (812) 231-4356 or by email at craig.pearson@tribstar.com.
Given to Fly
July 8, 2006
Given to Fly: Clint Weddle makes jump to Division II assistant coach
- Given to Fly
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GIVEN TO FLY: Come to expect new standards of excellence
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GIVEN TO FLY: ISU women have solid recruiting class
The caliber of athletes that the Indiana State women’s basketball coaching staff is bringing in is on an upswing.
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GIVEN TO FLY: Major leaguers John, Dorsett meet up at tonight’s game
Terre Haute’s only two big leaguers of the last 50 years — Tommy John and Brian Dorsett — will catch up with one another today.
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FOOT NOTES: Valley natives perform well on national stage
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'Til It's Over: Sycamores ‘in a good place,’ but searching for more in MVC
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Given to Fly: ISU women should build confidence off strong outing
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Footnotes: In first marathon, former Sycamore comes out a winner
Indiana State graduate Dani Prince made her debut in the event with a victory in the Columbus Marathon on Sunday.
Prince’s goal was a time under 2 hours and 50 minutes, and she ran a 2:48.56. -
Given To Fly: ISU volleyball turning things around
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