Gordie James

Head Coach
Office Phone: (503) 370-6063
E-mail: gjames@willamette.edu

As he enters his 21st season leading the Bearcats, Head Coach Gordie James adds to his legacy as one of the top coaches in Willamette University history. James has earned a school record 334 wins, including the 1992-93 NAIA National Championship.

He was named NAIA National Coach of the Year in 1992-93. Later, he led the Bearcats through the transition from the NAIA to NCAA Division III. His teams won the NWC Tournament title in 2000 and reached the semifinals in 2002, before a return trip to the championship game in 2003. He has been named NWC Coach of the Year four times.

Four of the past six editions of Bearcat Hoop have finished in the top two in the NWC. His teams have been characterized by a hard-working style, dedicated to defense and fundamental play.

“What Coach James and this program are about can be seen in how successful past players have been in their lives,” said former team captain Josh Erickson. “Coach got us ready not just for the next opponent, but for the next step in our lives as well.”

As impressive as his on-court resume are the achievements of his players in the classroom. The Bearcats have consistently produced quality team GPAs and 10 players have earned scholar-athlete awards.

Former team captains Brad Nelson ’99, Kip Ioane ’01 and Ryan Hepp ’03 were on the list of national finalists for the Josten’s Trophy, an award given annually to a player in NCAA Division III who has combined basketball success with achievements off the court. Also, Shawn Gahr, a team captain in 2000, was a Wall Street Journal Student of the Year during his final season.

James’ career spans beyond Willamette. As a high school coach for 22 years, he compiled a 340-129 (.598) overall record. In 1994, he was named head coach of the Japanese National Team and led the squad to a bronze medal in the Asian Olympics, for Japan’s first basketball medal in 21 years.

He is director of the Pro Classic Hoop Camp. With over 15,000 campers to its credit, Pro Classic is a key part of Oregon Youth Activities. It all began when James started the camp with NBA Hall of Fame Coach Jack Ramsay.

James and his wife, Peggy, live in Keizer. They have three grown children: Ken, Don and Cheri, as well as eight grandchildren.

Wally Wing

Assistant Coach

Wally Wing returns for his 21st season as an assistant coach with Bearcat Hoop. He has supplied significant contributions to the team over the past two decades, while working with Head Coach Gordie James to develop a highly-successful program. He helped coach WU to a 29-4 record and the NAIA National Championship in 1992-93.

Wing is greatly respected throughout the region for his coaching abilities. He also possesses a friendly personality and a great sense of humor that the Bearcats appreciate throughout the season.

Wing and his wife, Margot, live nearby in Keizer with their son, Austin, and their daughter, Avery. Wing also is employed as the physical education teacher at Gubser Elementary School in Keizer.

Kip Ioane

Assistant Coach

Former Willamette player Kip Ioane is in his seventh season as a member of the coaching staff. He was a two-year captain and a four-year letterman for the Bearcats, and was a finalist for the Josten’s Trophy, given to the top NCAA Division III player who best combines basketball success with achievements in the classroom.

Ioane’s knowledge of the game allows him to successfully teach WU’s players. He also has the advantage of being a former player in the Willamette system, giving him an edge in guiding the Bearcats through their offensive and defense plays.

A graduate of WU’s Master of Arts in Teaching program in 2001, Ioane teaches business at McKay HS in Salem. His wife, Kelly (Sorenson) ’01, was a star for WU in volleyball and basketball. Kip and Kelly are the parents of Lincoln born in May, 2007.