Green Bay hires Darner

Linc Darner has become the seventh head mens basketball coach at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay.  Darner succeeds Brian Wardle who left last month for Bradley University after five years at the helm.   Darner just wrapped up his 9th season at Southern Florida University by capturing the NCAA Division II National Championship, finishing a 36-1 season.   His nine year record with Moccassins is 218-72, having won six conference titles and making post-season tournaments in eight consecutive seasons.   Darner also coached at Division II St. Joseph’s of Indiana.   He played college basketball at Purdue and was a captain under coach Gene Keady in his senior season.  That’s where his path first crossed with current Green Bay Athletic Director Mary Ellen Gillespie.  She was an assistant AD at Purdue during Darner’s playing days.  In a statement released by the school, Darner said, “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity that I have been preparing for since I began my coaching career.”  Darner will be formally introduced at a news conference at the Kress Events Center at 10:00 AM.   It will be carried live by 1440, 92.1 WNFL.