The Coaching Staff 2006-07 EMU BASKETBALL 39
Head Coach Charles E. Ramsey Charles E. Ramsey has returned home. Ramsey, an Ypsilanti native, Eastern Michigan University graduate, and former EMU assistant basketball coach, was named head coach of the men s basketball program at EMU, March 30, 2005, giving Ramsey his dream job. I am honored and pleased to have this opportunity to return to Eastern Michigan University, Ramsey said at his press conference, March 30, 2005.. It has always been a dream of mine to have a chance to be part of this great institution. I have always had a great deal of respect for the University and the basketball program, which has had a commitment to both academics and athletics. I can truly say I am home now. And Ramsey started his return on a positive note, directing his young Eagles to a 67-65 win over the University of California-Berkeley in his first game as an intercollegiate head coach. After that thrilling opener the Eagles went on to finish the year with a 7-21 record. Included in that record was the fact that the Green and White lost seven games by five points or less, displaying the competitive spirit Ramsey expects from his charges. While that first-year s record was certainly not satisfactory for Ramsey, he is committed to rebuilding the EMU program with integrity, fairness and intensity. There is no doubt that last year was a learning experience for a lot of people in our program and I think it will only make us stronger as we bring Eastern Michigan back to the top, Ramsey said. We played a lot of young men last year and we have a very talented recruiting class coming in this season so we will still be youthful but I think the level of ability has definitely improved. Prior to accepting the head coaching duties at his alma mater, Ramsey sharpened his coaching and teaching abilities while working and learning from some of the top coaches in the high school and college ranks. As a young football, basketball and baseball player at Ypsilanti High School, Ramsey first developed a passion for watching and learning about the intricacies of coaching from boys head basketball coach Dick Ouellette and boys baseball coach and assistant football coach Patrick Dignan. After graduating from Ypsilanti H.S. in 1979, Ramsey went on to attend Fisk University from 1979-81 where he was named to the league s All-Freshman Team. He then transferred to EMU and went on to complete his bachelor s degree in 1992 with a major in sociology. While an EMU undergraduate, Ramsey was an assistant boys basketball coach at Ypsilanti H.S. from 1982-87. From the high school ranks Ramsey went on to enjoy great success as an assistant coach in the college ranks. During his undergraduate career, Ramsey served as a volunteer coach at EMU under Head Coach Ben Braun from 1990--93. He joined the EMU staff as a full-time assistant from May-Sept. 1996, before leaving to assist Braun when he became the head coach at the University of California at Berkeley. As a volunteer assistant coach in 1991, EMU made it to the Sweet 16 of the 1991 NCAA Tournament. He was part of the EMU program from 1990-93 before moving on as an assistant coach to help Tennessee State win the Ohio Valley Conference THE RAMSEY FAMILY: Front, Tre (left) and Chandler. Back: Allison and Charles. title and advance to the 1994 NCAA Tournament. While at Tennessee State, Ramsey coached his first of several future professionals by helping develop Carlos Rogers into a lottery pick by the Seattle Supersonics. In his first year at Cal for the 1996-97 campaign, Ramsey was instrumental in helping the Bears post their best overall record since 1960 (23-9), as they reached the Sweet 16 of the 1997 NCAA Tournament. In 2001, he helped the Bears again to the NCAA Tournament with a 20-11 record. He was also a part of two NIT teams, including the 1999 squad that captured the NIT championship. Ramsey was instrumental in bringing in Sean Lampley, the 2001 PAC-10 Player of the Year and Cal s all-time leading scorer, and Joseph Shipp, the No. 3 all-time leading scorer. Other notable Bears mentored by Ramsey included 1997 PAC- 10 Player of the Year and Atlanta Hawk lottery selection Ed Gray, Sacramento King draftee Michael Stewart, future NBA players Sean Marks, of the Phoenix Suns, Francisco Elson, of the San Antonio Spurs, as well NFL All-Pro tight end Tony Gonzalez. Ramsey s track record of success for developing players and team success afforded him the opportunity to work as an assistant coach at the University of Michigan from 2001-05. While an assistant at Michigan for four seasons, Ramsey helped the Wolverines turn in two consecutive top 10 nationally-ranked recruiting classes, and helped coach the U-M team that won the 2004 NIT championship. Additionally, Ramsey helped develop 2003 Big Ten Freshman of the Year and current Miami Heat guard Daniel Horton. Other Wolverines to develop into professionals under Ramsey s guidance include NBA player Bernard Robinson, Jr. as well young men to play professionally overseas such as Chris Young and Lavell Blanchard. Ramsey carried his history of mentoring future professional players into his first season at EMU as Eagle center John Bowler developed into a first-team All-MAC performer and is currently playing professionally in Germany. The 45-year old Ramsey (3-25-61), and his wife, Allison Lester Ramsey, live in Ypsilanti with their two sons, Charles (Tre) and Chandler. 40 2006-07 EMU BASKETBALL
Head Coach Charles E. Ramsey THE CHARLES RAMSEY FILE Name: Charles Edward Ramsey Born: March 25, 1961 - Ypsilanti, Michigan High School: Ypsilanti High School (Graduated in 1979) College: Eastern Michigan University (Graduated in 1992 with a bachelor s degree in sociology) Married: Allison (Lester) Two sons: Charles (Tre) and Chandler Intercollegiate Coaching Experience Year School Position Post-Season Play/Honors 2005-Pres. Eastern Michigan University Head Coach 2001-2005 University of Michigan Asst. Coach/Rec. Coor. NIT Champions (2004) 1996-2001 University of California Asst. Coach NCAA Sweet 16 (1997) NIT Champions (1999) NIT Quarterfinals (2000) NCAA First Round (2001) 1994-96 Drake University Associate Head Coach 1993-94 Tennessee State University Assistant Coach NCAA Tournament (1994) 1990-93 Eastern Michigan UniversityAsst. Coach/Vol. Coach NCAA Sweet 16 (1991) The EMU Coaching Staff and their Families 2006-07 EMU BASKETBALL 41
Associate Coach Derrick McDowell Derrick McDowell is in his second season as associate coach at Eastern Michigan University. McDowell was named to the post, March 30, 2005. McDowell joined the EMU staff last year after turning in a highly successful high school career as well as an eight-year college coaching history. McDowell enjoyed great success in his 12- year stint as the head coach at Detroit Redford, leading the team to a 194-70 record. His 2004-05 Redford team won the Detroit Public School League title as well as the district championship on the way to a 19-2 record. He was named the All-Metro Detroit Team Coach of the Year by The Detroit News for his efforts last season. During his tenure at Redford, McDowell was named Coach of the Year seven times by either the Detroit Free Press or The Detroit News. He was selected as Detroit Public School League Coach of the Year in 2000-01 and 1995-96 and was PSL West Division Coach of the Year in 2003-04. In addition, he was selected regional Coach of the Year in 2001-02, and was an All- Metro Detroit Coach of the Year in 1996-97, 2000-01, and 2004-05. McDowell s Redford teams were state runners-up twice (1996-97, 2001-02), made the Final Four once (2003-04), won three regional crowns (1996-97, 2001-02, 2003-04), captured seven district championships (1996-97, 1998-99, 2000-01, 2001-02, 2002-03, 2003-04, 2004-05), won two PSL titles (2000-01, 2004-05), were runners-ups in the PSL three times (1995-96, 1999-00, 2002-03), and were PSL semifinalists twice (1996-97, 2000-01). Prior to taking over the reins at Redford, McDowell served as an assistant men s basketball coach at Central Michigan, from 1991-93, at Wayne State University, from 1988-91, and the University of Detroit, from 1985-88. The 45-year-old McDowell (12-25-60) is a native of Detroit and graduated from Detroit Northern High School in 1978. He then went on to earn his bachelor s degree at Stetson University in DeLand, Fla. in 1983. He completed work on his master s degree in sports administration at Wayne State University in 2003. Derrick McDowell A large group of former EMU basketball letter winners returned for the Back to Bowen Throw-Back Game, Nov. 26, 2004. The players and coaches returning: front row, l-r: Harvey Martlatt, Al Jagutis, Lorenzo Neely, son of Dan Hoff, Dan Hoff, Von Nickleberry, former Head Coach Al Freund, Rod Marlatt. Second row: former Head Coach Dick Adams. Back row, l-r: Pete Pangas, Roy McNeeley, Corey Tarrant, Tyson Radney, Earle Higgins, Paul Ash, Earle Dixon, Brian Schubert, Jack Brusewitz, former Head Coach Ray Scott, Johnnie Bailey. 42 2006-07 EMU BASKETBALL
Associate Coach Derrick McDowell THE DERRICK McDOWELL FILE Name: Derrick McDowell Born: Dec. 25, 1960 High School: Detroit Nothern (Graduated in 1978) College: Stetson University (Graduated in 1983) with a bachelor s degree in health and physical education Wayne State University (Graduated in 2003 with a master s degree in sports administration) Coaching Experience Year School Position Highlights 2005-Pres. Eastern Michigan University Associate Head Men s Basketball Coach 2004-05 Detroit Redford H.S. Head Boys Basketball Coach 19-2 record; Detroit PSL champ.; District champion; All-Metro Coach of the Year by The Detroit News 2003-04 Detroit Redford H.S. Head Boys Basketball Coach 21-3 record; Detroit PSL West Division champ.; State Tourn. final four; District and Regional champions; PSL West Div. Coach of the Year 2002-03 Detroit Redford H.S. Head Boys Basketball Coach 17-3 record; PSL runner-up; District champions; Ranked in top 25 in the country; Coached Mr. Basketball, Dion Harris 2001-02 Detroit Redford H.S. Head Boys Basketball Coach 24-3; Regional Coach of Year; State runner-up; District and Regional champions; PSL semifinalist; Ranked in top 25 in the country 2000-01 Detroit Redford H.S. Head Boys Basketball Coach 21-2; PSL and District champ.; PSL Coach of the Year by the Detroit Free Press; Metro Coach of the Year by The Detroit News; Grand Rapids Press Christmas Tourn.champions 1999-00 Detroit Redford H.S. Head Boys Basketball Coach 15-7; PSL runner-up 1998-99 Detroit Redford H.S. Head Boys Basketball Coach 15-7; District champions 1997-98 Detroit Redford H.S. Head Boys Basketball Coach 14-6; Motor City Classic champ. 1996-97 Detroit Redford H.S. Head Boys Basketball Coach 19-7; District and Regional champ.; PSL semifinalist; All-Metro Coach of the Year by the Detroit Free Press 1995-96 Detroit Redford H.S. Head Boys Basketball Coach 12-7; PSL runner-up; Grand Rapids Press Christmas Tourn.; Coach of the Year by the Detroit Free Press 1994-95 Detroit Redford H.S. Head Boys Basketball Coach 12-7 1993-94 Detroit Redford H.S. Head Boys Basketball Coach 5-15 1991-93 Central Michigan U. Asst. Men s Basketball Coach 1988-91 Wayne State U. Asst. Men s Basketball Coach 1985-88 U. of Detroit Asst. Men s Basketball Coach 2006-07 EMU BASKETBALL 43
Assistant Coach Chip Wilde Chip Wilde is in his first season as an assistant basketball coach at Eastern Michigan University. He was named to the post, July 5, 2006. Wilde is no stranger to the Ypsilanti area, having served as the administrative assistant for the EMU men s basketball program in 1994 and later as the head men s basketball coach at Concordia University from 1997-2003. He was named 2001 NCCAA Regional Coach of the Year after leading Concordia to the NCCAA National Tournament. Prior to becoming the men s head coach, Wilde was the head women s basketball coach at Concordia from 1994-97, and also served as director of athletics from 1997-98. The 37-year-old Wilde (8-7-69) was most recently the Coordinator of Men s Basketball Operations at Rutgers University under former EMU assistant coach Gary Waters, the head coach at Rutgers. In addition Wilde has also served as an assistant men s basketball coach at Collin County Community College in Plano, TX (2004-05), and Central Michigan University (1991-93), and as an undergraduate assistant coach at Western Illinois University (1988-91). A native of Macomb, Ill., Wilde earned two degrees at Western Illinois University, completing his bachelor s in physical education in 1991 and his master s in physical education in 1994. Wilde and his wife, Darby, live in Ypsilanti. The WILDE FAMILY: Chip and Darby. THE CHIP WILDE FILE Name: Dan E. Chip Wilde Born: Birthdate: 8-6-69 - Macomb, Ill. High School: Macomb H.S. - (Graduated in 1987) College: Western Illinois University - Graduated in 1991 with a bachelor s degree in physical education Western Illinois University - Graduated in 1994 with a Master s degree in physical education Married: Wife: Darby (Crouse) Coaching Experience Year School/Business Position 2006-Pres. Eastern Michigan University Assistant Men s Basketball Coach 2005-06 Rutgers University (Piscataway,N.J.) Coordinator of Men s Basketball Operations 2004-05 Collin County Community College (Plano, TX) Assistant Men s Basketball Coach 1997-2003 Concordia University (Ann Arbor, Mich.) Head Men s Basketball Coach 1997-98 Concordia University (Ann Arbor, Mich.) Athletics Director 1994-97 Concordia University (Ann Arbor, Mich.) Head Women s Basketball Coach 1994 Eastern Michigan University Administrative Asst. Men s Basketball 1991-93 Central Michigan University Assistant Men s Basketball Coach 1988-91 Western Illinois University Undergraduate Assistant Men s Basketball Coach 44 2006-07 EMU BASKETBALL
Assistant Coach Carl Thomas Carl Thomas is in his second year as an assistant basektball coach at Eastern Michigan University. He was named to the post April 14, 2005. Thomas joined the EMU staff after serving as an assistant basketball coach at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in 2004-05. Prior to being named to the UMES staff, Thomas played professionally in France, Sweden, Greece and Italy from 2000-2003. He also played professionally in the NBA for Sacramento, Cleveland, Golden State, and Orlando and in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) for Fort Wayne, and Grand Rapids, from 1992-99. While playing in the CBA, Thomas was called up to the NBA a CBArecord five times. Thomas played 68 games over three seasons in the NBA, with stints with the Sacramento Kings (1992), Cleveland Cavaliers (1997 and 1998), Golden State Warriors (1998) and Orlando Magic (1998). He averaged 2.9 points during his NBA career. Carl Thomas and his twin brother, Charles Thomas, helped THE THOMAS FAMILY: Front: Austin and Brandon. Back: Gina and Carl. the EMU men s basketball team reach great heights from 1988-91. The then-hurons won two Mid- American Conference titles (1987-88, 1990-91), made two NCAA Tournament appearances (1987-88, 1990-91) and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the 1990-91 NCAA Tournament. Carl earned four letters at EMU and finished his career with 1,179 points, 452 rebounds, 185 threepoint field goals, and 249 assists.he was a second-team All- Mid-American Conference selection in 1991. The 37-year-old Thomas (10-3- 69) is a native of Lansing, Mich., where he was an outstanding basketball, football and baseball player at Lansing Everett H.S. He was named the boys basketball Player of the Year in the Capitol Conference as a senior and also helped the baseball team reach the semifinals of the Class A state tournament. Carl and Charles were both inducted into the Lansing-area Athletic Hall of Fame, June 28, 2005. Carl Thomas and his wife, Gina (Dalisio) have two sons: Austin (11-26-92) and Brandon (10-24-95). THE CARL THOMAS FILE Name: Carl Edward Thomas Born: Oct. 3, 1969 - Lansing, Michigan High School: Lansing Everett (Graduated in 1987) College: Eastern Michigan University (Graduated in 1991 with a bachelor s degree in communications) Married: Wife: Gina (Dalisio); Two sons: Austin (11-26-92) and Brandon (10-24-95) Intercollegiate Coaching Experience/Playing Experience Year School Position 2005-Pres. Eastern Michigan University Assistant Men s Basketball Coach 2004-05 University of Maryland-Eastern Shore Assistant Men s Basketball Coach 2000-03 Professional Basketball Player Played in France, Sweden, Greece, Italy 1992-99 Professional Basketball Player Played in the NBA for Sacramento, Cleveland, Golden State, and Orlando Played in the CBA for Fort Wayne and Grand Rapids 2006-07 EMU BASKETBALL 45
Director of Operations Rich Marion Rich Marion is in his second season as the director of basketball operations for the Eastern Michigan University basketball team. He is enrolled at EMU in the MBA academic master s program. The 34-year-old Marion (8-24-72) was an assistant sports information director at the University of Michigan from 1997-2005. A native of Ann Arbor, Marion grew up in Saline and was an All- Southeastern Conference basketball player for the Hornets. He went on to complete his bachelor s degree at EMU in 1996, and then moved into the coaching ranks, serving as an assistant basketball coach at Dundee High School from 1997-2000. Marion and his wife, Tonya, have a daughter, Jordan (9-17-03). The MARION FAMILY: Front: Jordan. Back: Rich and Tonya. E-TV ON THE AIR: The E-TV staff works a home game in the Convocation Center. The E-TV staff televises most of the home games and shoots highlights for many road contests. 46 2006-07 EMU BASKETBALL