GLENVILLE, W.Va. – Just one month after losing a National Championship coach to the D-I ranks, the Pioneer Athletic Department is adding another one to their staff.
Friday evening, the University announced the hiring of Bob Bolen, who was a two-time National Coach of the Year during his tenure at Mountain State University. He led the Cougars to four title games, including an NAIA National Championship in 2004.
Bolen posted an overall mark of 489-125 during his 18-year tenure at MSU. This included a stretch in which his teams won at least 25 games for 12 consecutive years, and one point, spent 49 consecutive weeks inside of the Top Five of the National Rankings. His teams topped the 30-win mark five times, including a 38-1 ledger during the '04 title season. His teams averaged over 27 wins a year.
After Mountain State, Bolen spent two seasons as an assistant at East Tennessee State (2013-15). He has been covering basketball for ESPN TV and WV Video Productions in recent years.
A native of Beckley, West Virginia, Bolen played for the iconic Woodrow Wilson program in high school. He spent two seasons at Glenville State under legendary head coach Jesse Lilly, then closed his career at Bluefield for the great Terry Brown.
"With Coach Bolen, we are getting a proven winner; someone who has shown an ability to build a roster and produce at a high level," Glenville State Athletic Director Jesse Skiles said.
"We are very excited about the addition of Coach Bolen," Glenville President Dr. Mark Manchin said. "He is a state native who has shown he can both recruit and also win at the highest level."
In taking over the Glenville program, Bolen is entering into the Mountain East Conference, a league he is very familiar with. Over the years, he has called several MEC games in his role as a basketball analyst in the media.
"I want to thank President Manchin and Athletic Director Jesse Skiles for giving me the opportunity to be the head coach at such a prestigious institution," Bolen said. "Glenville State has the best D-II facilities in the country, and they compete in a highly competitive conference. I am excited to be part of the process of building the GSU Men's Program into a national contender"
