Harper is definitely staying:
Ex-YVCC coach Harper to stay at Portland State
http://sportsyakima.com/2009/04/ex-yvcc-coach-harper-to-stay-at-portland-state/
YAKIMA, Wash. — Eric Harper put his brave face forward when he spoke of being in basketball coaching limbo.
But once his immediate future had been solidified earlier this week, with new Portland State coach Tyler Geving telling Harper he’ll remain a Vikings assistant, he also expressed considerable relief.
“There was a week or so when I was like, ‘What’s going to happen?’” Harper said in a telephone interview from the Rose City. “I was pretty relaxed, actually, because I’m one of those people who believe everything is going to work out in one way, shape or form.
“But on the other hand, the element of uncertainty can produce some anxiety.”
The uncertainty began, of course, with Ken Bone’s move to Washington State after four years at PSU. Both Harper, who had spent eight seasons in various coaching capacities at Yakima Valley Community College, and Geving, a former Central Washington assistant, came with Bone to Portland State in 2005.
Geving, 35, learned of his promotion to replace Bone on Sunday night and soon afterward informed Harper, 37, of his desire to retain him.
“When Tyler found out he’d gotten the job he was like, ‘Hey, I’m going to keep you,’” Harper said. “So I was like, ‘Hey, goodie!’”
A graduate of Cle Elum High School and Central Washington University, Harper joined men’s coaches Dean Nicholson and Leon Rice and women’s coach Lanette Hooper as a YVCC assistant in 1997.
He succeeded Hooper as head women’s coach in 1998 and held that position for three seasons. In 2002 Harper joined Scott Berry as co-men’s coach and that season helped Yakima Valley to its first NWAACC championship in 27 years.
When Berry left for Dickinson State, N.D. after that season, Harper ran the men’s program the next two years, compiling a 35-20 record.
Then Bone called with an offer too good for Harper to refuse.
“What has been great is being part of a program that has made tremendous strides,” he said. “Making the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history, was a highlight. Then to get there again this year proved it wasn’t a fluke.
“Now we want it to become the norm, although we know that will be a challenge.”
An obvious challenge loomed for the Vikings last Dec. 23, when a snowstorm closed Interstate 84 through the Columbia River Gorege, forcing them to bus north to Seattle and then across the state to Spokane for a matchup with Gonzaga.
Portland State won, 77-70, dealing the Bulldogs only their third loss in 58 games since they’d opened the McCarthey Athletic Center in 2004.
“That win, with my friendship with Leon (Rice, a Gonzaga assistant) and all, was tremendous,” Harper said.
Ex-YVCC coach Harper to stay at Portland State
http://sportsyakima.com/2009/04/ex-yvcc-coach-harper-to-stay-at-portland-state/
YAKIMA, Wash. — Eric Harper put his brave face forward when he spoke of being in basketball coaching limbo.
But once his immediate future had been solidified earlier this week, with new Portland State coach Tyler Geving telling Harper he’ll remain a Vikings assistant, he also expressed considerable relief.
“There was a week or so when I was like, ‘What’s going to happen?’” Harper said in a telephone interview from the Rose City. “I was pretty relaxed, actually, because I’m one of those people who believe everything is going to work out in one way, shape or form.
“But on the other hand, the element of uncertainty can produce some anxiety.”
The uncertainty began, of course, with Ken Bone’s move to Washington State after four years at PSU. Both Harper, who had spent eight seasons in various coaching capacities at Yakima Valley Community College, and Geving, a former Central Washington assistant, came with Bone to Portland State in 2005.
Geving, 35, learned of his promotion to replace Bone on Sunday night and soon afterward informed Harper, 37, of his desire to retain him.
“When Tyler found out he’d gotten the job he was like, ‘Hey, I’m going to keep you,’” Harper said. “So I was like, ‘Hey, goodie!’”
A graduate of Cle Elum High School and Central Washington University, Harper joined men’s coaches Dean Nicholson and Leon Rice and women’s coach Lanette Hooper as a YVCC assistant in 1997.
He succeeded Hooper as head women’s coach in 1998 and held that position for three seasons. In 2002 Harper joined Scott Berry as co-men’s coach and that season helped Yakima Valley to its first NWAACC championship in 27 years.
When Berry left for Dickinson State, N.D. after that season, Harper ran the men’s program the next two years, compiling a 35-20 record.
Then Bone called with an offer too good for Harper to refuse.
“What has been great is being part of a program that has made tremendous strides,” he said. “Making the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history, was a highlight. Then to get there again this year proved it wasn’t a fluke.
“Now we want it to become the norm, although we know that will be a challenge.”
An obvious challenge loomed for the Vikings last Dec. 23, when a snowstorm closed Interstate 84 through the Columbia River Gorege, forcing them to bus north to Seattle and then across the state to Spokane for a matchup with Gonzaga.
Portland State won, 77-70, dealing the Bulldogs only their third loss in 58 games since they’d opened the McCarthey Athletic Center in 2004.
“That win, with my friendship with Leon (Rice, a Gonzaga assistant) and all, was tremendous,” Harper said.