Kip Ioane

Head Coach

Former Willamette player Kip Ioane is starting his first year as the head coach of the Bearcat men's basketball team. He also is in his ninth 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.

Mike Plank

Assistant Coach

Mike Plank, who played Bearcat Hoop as a Willamette student, is in his second year as an assistant coach for the Bearcats. Plank will help with a variety of duties for Head Coach Kip Ioane this year.

At WU, he competed in football and basketball for four seasons and also played one year of baseball. In basketball, Plank scored a career-high 17 points and played 49 minutes in WU’s 140-137 triple-overtime defeat at the University of Puget Sound on Dec. 1, 2006.

In football, he hauled in 34 passes for 466 yards as a senior in 2006. He is currently employed as a “mentor coordinator” at South Salem High School. He helped coach South to a 10-1 overall record this fall, including two games in the playoffs. Plank is single and lives in Salem.

Nelson Lomax

Assistant Coach

Former Bearcat player Nelson Lomax returns for his 10th season on the Bearcat coaching staff. Lomax was a player on the Willamette 1994 national quarterfinal team. His willingness to hard work as an assistant coach has contributed greatly to the Bearcat program. He also has helped by developing positive relationships with WU’s players.

“Nelson’s success in the business world after his playing days is a great example of what Bearcat Hoop is all about,” said former wing Robbie Andrus. “His taking the time to work with us and share his experiences is a testament to his own personal character.”

Lomax and his wife, Carrie, live in South Salem with sons Jalen and Mason. Lomax also is employed by Professional Mortgage Company in Salem.