Settles named full-time head coach for IWC men?s basketball

Iowa Wesleyan College interim head men?s basketball coach Jess Settles has been named the full-time head coach of the IWC men?s basketball program, it was announced today by Athletic Director Mike Hampton.

?We are thrilled that Coach Settles has agreed to join the Iowa Wesleyan athletic program,? said Iowa Wesleyan President Jay Simmons in a statement from IWC. ?His leadership will provide a strong foundation for the continued growth and success of our men?s basketball program. Jess brings great technical knowledge and skill, along with the character and values that are essential to the development of our student-athletes. We are most fortunate to have a coach of his caliber literally in our backyard. We welcome him to the college.?

Settles, of Mt. Pleasant, is a former University of Iowa Hawkeye standout who played from 1993-99. A native of Southeast Iowa, he was a three time all-state selection at Winfield-Mt. Union High School.

At the University of Iowa, Settles was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and third team all-conference in his freshman season. In his third season at Iowa he was named First Team All-Big Ten by league coaches and media. Despite suffering a back injury that limited his playing time in one season and kept him entirely out of another, Settles still holds numerous records at Iowa.

Settles took over the IWC men?s basketball post on an interim basis on Nov. 24. The Tigers have an 8-6 record on the season and are 4-4 under Settles.

The Tiger men?s basketball team returns to the court tonight to face Mt. Mercy University at 7:30 p.m. in Cedar Rapids in a Midwest Collegiate Conference game.