Selvig to step down

[Mousegriz]

Expect Shannon to be named tomorrow

If they didn't it would be the biggest mistake ever.

I kind of think Selvig timed his announcement to leave little choice before school begins and practice starts up. Shannon is likely to be the choice...but her resume and experience don't immediately answer all the questions that should be asked of a candidate for this job. I wish whoever the new coach is great success but it won't be a walk in the park for the team or coach.

 

[Grizzly Oredigger]

http://espn.go.com/womens-college-b...a-women-basketball-coach-robin-selvig-retires

"We were just talking about him today at the meal room, [DePaul coach and U.S. assistant] Doug Bruno and I," Connecticut coach Geno Auriemma said Wednesday night in Delaware after coaching the U.S. Olympic team to an exhibition victory over France. "Coaches that have been in the game a long time and aren't in the women's basketball Hall of Fame that are still coaching, he's definitely one of them. He did it in a place that not too many people out in the media are paying attention. He's had as great a career as you can without winning a national championship that you can want to have as a coach."

Getting the respect he deserves from one of the best...very cool to read

 

[grizindabox]

I believe that Trish Duce is also leaving the program.

 

[UMGriz75]

Playing in front of some of the nation's most dedicated fans, Montana went 511-61 (.893) at Dahlberg Arena with Selvig as coach. Winning begat a following, which led to more success, which produced an ever larger fan base. It was a mutual love affair, the result the envy of nearly every opposing team.

In all, there have been nearly 150 letterwinners, some separated by nearly 40 years, but with Selvig as godfather they are all part of the same sisterhood, from his first team's leading scorer -- Linda Deden Smith -- to his final team's -- Kayleigh Valley. And all the players in between, from starter to reserve.

http://www.gogriz.com/news/2016/7/27/womens-basketball-his-work-is-done-selvig-announces-retirement.aspx

 

[Sooo Bad]

What a Class Act! Thanks for the memories Coach Selvig! :clap: :clap: :clap:

 

[EverettGriz]

Congratulations, Coach. And we can never, ever begin to thank you not only for what you've accomplished at Montana, but how you represented the program and the University.

I can't wait to see the artist they select to build your stature in Dahlberg.

 

[Buttegrizzle]

Truly a Grizzly living legend. I lost track of his total win tally but it's up there in damn rare company. Robin was like the Griz statue by the Oval. He was a fixture. When I was a student in the '80s he was already firmly in place. My entire Griz Fan career he has been a constant. God Bless.

 

[Paytonlives]

Met Coach a few times... alway generous and great to talk with...

Thanks for all the great memories, we will never see another better at UM!

 

[Ursa Major]

When I was going to the U of M in the mid 80's we traveled to Pocy and were being harassed by several Idaho State students. Robin told my friend and I the stay with him and walk out with the team. What a great man in my eyes.

I think I could of taken those guys, truth be known. lol

Unbelievable career for Coach Selvig! Thank you!!

IGF, Lets go find those old bastards and beat the crap out of them!

 

[UMGriz75]

I had to really reach back to remember that the Women's Basketball program was run out of the HHP offices. Sharon Dinkle was the first Head Coach, then got married, and hyphenated, to Sharon Dinkle-Uhlig. As faculty, she was splitting her time between basketball, and teaching, and then was Chair of the HHP department. Women's games were often played in the McGill Hall gym because it was easier to schedule being scheduled by the HHP Dept rather than the Field House. It was easy to round up the necessary folding chairs for spectators.

As she was moving up on the academic side, I recall that she wanted to spend more time on her career, and that was when the U decided to hire a full-time coach. Robin had graduated and moved back home, coaching his high school's girl's team.

He was well-liked and remembered, and so when Sharon decided to step away, he applied. Heathcote had really liked Robin, and Ben DeMers, Kevin Rocheleau, one of the Peck boys from Libby, they had quite a team of Montana boys on the Griz in that day. I can't remember if Scott Hollenbeck was a Montana boy, but he became one. So, anyway, pretty young, Robin got the job. I think Harley Lewis was still athletic director then, and took the women's basketball into the Athletic Department at that time. The HHP Dept subsidized the start of Women's Basketball at UM, an investment that really paid off.

Sharon went on to become Associate Dean of the School of Education; she was very good to work for. She gave me several academic teaching and coaching awards over the years; she was very thoughtful that way. Because she was, her success on the academic side provided the impetus for her retirement from coaching; had she gone in the other direction, no opening would have existed. She was a successful coach for as long as she wanted to do it. She got the ball rolling.

I can't imagine a 25 year old high school coach from a small town could land a position like Head Coach of a Division I Women's Basketball program today. Of course, it wasn't Division I then; and they had to scrounge around to find a collection of women's basketball programs to even have a "conference" to play in.

So, it was kind of a fortuitous opportunity that could not be repeated today. We lucked out. And Robin did too. I doubt that any similar program could boast that over a 40 year period, it had just two head coaches. That's something too.

 

[UMGriz75]

Realizing that sports reporters often these days have pretty short institutional memories -- not like the days of Ray Rocene, John Campbell, or Royal Brougham -- Robin's retirement would offer a neat feature on the history of the program. The first coach, Sharon Dinkle Uhlig, is still around; I believe she is retired and lives in Bonner. Not often that a 40 year program has ALL of its head coaches still around to talk about the entire history of the program.

 

[citygriz]

I'm extremely grateful for the job Robin did. He built this program from scratch, back when Montana was just beginning to build its reputation for quality athletic programs, both as a football powerhouse, and a men's program that produced not only winning teams highly successful coaches. Robin and the Lady Griz have been a huge part of that growth, a model of the success and integrity that any school would want with its student-athletes.

At the same time, I'm also excited about the future of our women's program under new leadership. My trip earlier this month just confirms to me the incredible growth that's taken place on our campus. I'm hoping a new coach, like DeCuire, has aspirations for our school and this program beyond the Big Sky conference, and can find the money to expand our recruiting base. I believe the Lady Griz have an even higher ceiling.

 

[griz71]

Robin Selvig...THE definition of class as a coach, as a person, as a man. I met him a couple of times and you could tell immediately that he was the kind of individual that if you had a daughter with Division 1 skills and talents you could entrust your kid implicitly with him knowing he would do everything humanly possible to help guide your girl into not just a successful athlete, but a fine student, and ultimately a young woman soundly prepared for whatever career she would ultimately choose. Just look at the terrific numbers of former Lady Griz who have gone on to diverse and successful lives utilizing many of the life lessons RS incorporated into his coaching style.

Best of fortunes in your WELL deserved retirement Coach and fans, friends, and all associated with UM can never thank you enough for what you have done for the Lady Griz program, the University and the State of Montana. That statue cannot be erected soon enough for the finest example of a legend who devoted so much of his time, talent, and character in such a selfless manner. You are THE BEST Coach! :clap: :thumb:

 

[griz71]

Robin Selvig...THE definition of class as a coach, as a person, as a man. I met him a couple of times and you could tell immediately that he was the kind of individual that if you had a daughter with Division 1 skills and talents you could entrust your kid implicitly with him knowing he would do everything humanly possible to help guide your girl into not just a successful athlete, but a fine student, and ultimately a young woman soundly prepared for whatever career she would ultimately choose. Just look at the terrific numbers of former Lady Griz who have gone on to diverse and successful lives utilizing many of the life lessons RS incorporated into his coaching style.

Best of fortunes in your WELL deserved retirement Coach and fans, friends, and all associated with UM can never thank you enough for what you have done for the Lady Griz program, the University and the State of Montana. That statue cannot be erected soon enough for the finest example of a legend who devoted so much of his time, talent, and character in such a selfless manner. You are THE BEST Coach! :clap: :thumb:

 

[griz71]

Robin Selvig...THE definition of class as a coach, as a person, as a man. I met him a couple of times and you could tell immediately that he was the kind of individual that if you had a daughter with Division 1 skills and talents you could entrust your kid implicitly with him knowing he would do everything humanly possible to help guide your girl into not just a successful athlete, but a fine student, and ultimately a young woman soundly prepared for whatever career she would ultimately choose. Just look at the terrific numbers of former Lady Griz who have gone on to diverse and successful lives utilizing many of the life lessons RS incorporated into his coaching style.

Best of fortunes in your WELL deserved retirement Coach and fans, friends, and all associated with UM can never thank you enough for what you have done for the Lady Griz program, the University and the State of Montana. That statue cannot be erected soon enough for the finest example of a legend who devoted so much of his time, talent, and character in such a selfless manner. You are THE BEST Coach! :clap: :thumb:

Double post just for added measure!

 

[TrueGriz]

I want the best coach to be hired whether it is someone outside or its' Shannon.

But, I have my concerns here.

Robin and the Lady Griz had a lot of loyal fans up to this point. Attendance has been slowing declining over the years but there are a lot of loyal fans out there that still go to the games. My concern is that if they do hire someone that is outside the program, many of these fans will lose their loyalty and stop going to the games. I have this sense that there are a lot of fans out their want UM to hire Shannon Cate because of all the years she put in as assistant coach, even though there is someone that is a better hire than her.
there is already at least one post on this thread that states it would be a travesty if Shannon isn't hired. So, does that mean that poster wants her to be a head coach no matter if there is a better coach with better connections to better players?

Shannon would be the safe hire, which should bring about the smallest amount of change in system and everybody would know what to expect. Samo, Samo. Personally, I do not think Shannon will stick around as long as Robin did. A lot may depend on what her husband does in the future.
the outside hire if he/she is found to be better hire (emphasis on IF), may bring growth to the team or possibly death to the program if new coach doesn't work out.
There are some good coaches out there that are looking to have a chance to coach a team. They need to at least take a look them before they decide to hire Shannon.

 

[UMGriz75]

I want the best coach to be hired whether it is someone outside or its' Shannon.

But, I have my concerns here.

Those are reasonable concerns.

I knew Shannon's Dad. She comes from a very high quality, hard-driving, excellence-achieving background. "Second Place" is not an alternative for her. She's really got her Dad's drive for excellence. And that is something. He also loved Montana. He could have done better somewhere else.

From sharing the gym on many occasions, I've watched her coaching ability and skills. And I would have to say, when she is in "coaching mode," she's really got "it." The "look" is in the eyes, the voice, the confidence.

From having players over here at the House -- I have a Romeo here, and Lady Griz girls live next door -- and their comments, I have a sense of "player perceptions."

I cannot imagine a better choice than Shannon Cate for this job. None.

 

[grizzlyjournal]

I want the best coach to be hired whether it is someone outside or its' Shannon.

But, I have my concerns here.

Robin and the Lady Griz had a lot of loyal fans up to this point. Attendance has been slowing declining over the years but there are a lot of loyal fans out there that still go to the games. My concern is that if they do hire someone that is outside the program, many of these fans will lose their loyalty and stop going to the games. I have this sense that there are a lot of fans out their want UM to hire Shannon Cate because of all the years she put in as assistant coach, even though there is someone that is a better hire than her.
there is already at least one post on this thread that states it would be a travesty if Shannon isn't hired. So, does that mean that poster wants her to be a head coach no matter if there is a better coach with better connections to better players?

Shannon would be the safe hire, which should bring about the smallest amount of change in system and everybody would know what to expect. Samo, Samo. Personally, I do not think Shannon will stick around as long as Robin did. A lot may depend on what her husband does in the future.
the outside hire if he/she is found to be better hire (emphasis on IF), may bring growth to the team or possibly death to the program if new coach doesn't work out.
There are some good coaches out there that are looking to have a chance to coach a team. They need to at least take a look them before they decide to hire Shannon.

You raise valid issues in several areas, TrueGriz. It's likely that Kent Haslam's email is loaded with inquiries from numerous supremely qualified coaches. He most certainly already has a short list of individuals who'll be well qualified to step in and step onto the court ready to roll.

However, this is not a normal hire, simply because the new coach is following a living legend who's done things his way for 38 years! The myriad issues regarding who is the best replacement & how to replace him are gargantuan. Simple logistical things like the size of Selvig's office (it's a matchbox compared to most head coaching offices in University complexes!) will be factors. There are others much more qualified than me to describe the unique character of the UM program (almost all good, but nonetheless unique). So, in some ways, no matter WHO the new coach is, and how long she/he serves, this'll possibly be something akin to an "interim" position.

Sounds odd (and please, don't think I'm casting aspersions here: there are none) I know, but there's the weight of all the things that have to be remodeled and revised, which really, when you get right down to it, probably require the hand of someone familiar with this program who's young and has the ability to make changes that reflect some current trends in women's NCAA Division 1 coaching.

I land on the same territory as you: "Once A Griz, Always a Griz." I believe this position, at this point in time, will be the best fit for someone familiar with this program who's got the vision and energy to make the "necessary" updates as well as to step in and coach a game from the west-sidelines of Dalhberg Arena in approximately 90 days.

For that reason, I believe a primary "qualification" means that person should have a resume of some specific sort with this program. That's why I believe that Shannon Schweyen is the best fit. I've watched her coach on a secondary level (always on the periphery) for years at Dahlberg. The players always respected her as a coach of authority who dealt with strategy, in-game changes, and personnel issues while the head coach dealt with game flow. That's just one observable sign that she has qualifications. I've never observed any Lady Griz practices, but I assume she's got ample experience running practices as well. But as improtant all all that, there's still the program to run, and I believe Shannon also has the experience and vision do to so very capably).

(I do not personally know Shannon, have never conversed with her & thus this is not an "inside" endorsement)

 

[TrueGriz]

I want the best coach to be hired whether it is someone outside or its' Shannon.

But, I have my concerns here.

Robin and the Lady Griz had a lot of loyal fans up to this point. Attendance has been slowing declining over the years but there are a lot of loyal fans out there that still go to the games. My concern is that if they do hire someone that is outside the program, many of these fans will lose their loyalty and stop going to the games. I have this sense that there are a lot of fans out their want UM to hire Shannon Cate because of all the years she put in as assistant coach, even though there is someone that is a better hire than her.
there is already at least one post on this thread that states it would be a travesty if Shannon isn't hired. So, does that mean that poster wants her to be a head coach no matter if there is a better coach with better connections to better players?

Shannon would be the safe hire, which should bring about the smallest amount of change in system and everybody would know what to expect. Samo, Samo. Personally, I do not think Shannon will stick around as long as Robin did. A lot may depend on what her husband does in the future.
the outside hire if he/she is found to be better hire (emphasis on IF), may bring growth to the team or possibly death to the program if new coach doesn't work out.
There are some good coaches out there that are looking to have a chance to coach a team. They need to at least take a look them before they decide to hire Shannon.

You raise valid issues in several areas, TrueGriz. It's likely that Kent Haslam's email is loaded with inquiries from numerous supremely qualified coaches. He most certainly already has a short list of individuals who'll be well qualified to step in and step onto the court ready to roll.

However, this is not a normal hire, simply because the new coach is following a living legend who's done things his way for 38 years! The myriad issues regarding who is the best replacement & how to replace him are gargantuan. Simple logistical things like the size of Selvig's office (it's a matchbox compared to most head coaching offices in University complexes!) will be factors. There are others much more qualified than me to describe the unique character of the UM program (almost all good, but nonetheless unique). So, in some ways, no matter WHO the new coach is, and how long she/he serves, this'll possibly be something akin to an "interim" position.

Sounds odd (and please, don't think I'm casting aspersions here: there are none) I know, but there's the weight of all the things that have to be remodeled and revised, which really, when you get right down to it, probably require the hand of someone familiar with this program who's young and has the ability to make changes that reflect some current trends in women's NCAA Division 1 coaching.

I land on the same territory as you: "Once A Griz, Always a Griz." I believe this position, at this point in time, will be the best fit for someone familiar with this program who's got the vision and energy to make the "necessary" updates as well as to step in and coach a game from the west-sidelines of Dalhberg Arena in approximately 90 days.

For that reason, I believe a primary "qualification" means that person should have a resume of some specific sort with this program. That's why I believe that Shannon Schweyen is the best fit. I've watched her coach on a secondary level (always on the periphery) for years at Dahlberg. The players always respected her as a coach of authority who dealt with strategy, in-game changes, and personnel issues while the head coach dealt with game flow. That's just one observable sign that she has qualifications. I've never observed any Lady Griz practices, but I assume she's got ample experience running practices as well. But as improtant all all that, there's still the program to run, and I believe Shannon also has the experience and vision do to so very capably).

(I do not personally know Shannon, have never conversed with her & thus this is not an "inside" endorsement)

I should have stated that I am leaning toward hiring Shannon for the head coach because of many of the reasons you stated.
I have watched the entire Lady Griz coaching staff play including Annette. Watched the Lady Griz when they only had around 400 fans. I lived in seattle area from 1984 to 1988 and that was during the time when attendance really started to grow.

Robin Selvigs last game was kind of a bummer, but ISUthat is houw 's 7'0" center Steve Hayes scored I believe 30 points to win that one game playoff in 1974. I believe I remember Selvig hustling to get to a loose ball in the final seconds even though it was way too late. I could go check the score but do not have time. Seemed to remember 74 - 72, but could be wrong. Selvig never quit and and that is how he coached.

An issue brought up by some posters, or atleast one in particular:

there are posters who wonder why no black players get recruited. 3 black players played here and none of them were actually recruited. Vicki Austin and Tianna Ware both were referred to Montana by some other coach, and Johnson played here only so Anthony Johnson could play here for the mens team. I always think that if you want diversity on the team, you need diversity on the coaching staff. A black coach would help. Heck, Vicky Austin was still around in 1992 and could have been hired as an assistant back then. Lady Griz will need to hire 1 to 2 new assistants. Hopefully, this can open up different recruiting areas.

 

[maroonandsilver]

Florida U. just named Steve Spurrier "Ambassador for Athletics". How about Rob for the same at UM?