Artie Taylor Named Assistant Coach for Men's Basketball

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - Former John Carroll University basketball standout Artie Taylor has joined the Wittenberg University men's basketball coaching staff, Head Coach Bill Brown announced.

Taylor replaces J.J. Searls, who held the position for two years before leaving Wittenberg last spring to pursue other career opportunities. Taylor joins the Tigers after spending the 2001-02 season as the head reserve coach and varsity assistant at Cardinal Ritter High School in Indianapolis, Ind. Prior to his stint in the high school ranks, Taylor spent two seasons as a graduate assistant at Defiance College. While there, Taylor helped coach a squad that won its conference regular season and tournament championships, and earned a spot in the NCAA Division III Tournament.

"We are really excited about Artie," Brown said. "His playing and coaching background at such a young age is outstanding."

As a player, Taylor helped the Blue Streaks to two conference championships and three berths in the NCAA Tournament. He was an all-conference and all-region selection and concluded his career as the second-leading rebounder in school history. Following the conclusion of his playing career, Taylor worked as a student assistant for the John Carroll squad during the 1998-99 season.

Taylor, a native of Indianapolis who has previously worked as the junior CEO of his family's barbeque restaurant, began his new duties on Aug. 1. He has moved to Columbus with his wife Christine.

Wittenberg concluded the 2001-02 with a mark of 26-4, advancing to the second round of the NCAA Division III Tournament. The Tigers were also crowned North Coast Athletic Conference regular season and tournament champions. They open the 2002-03 docket on Friday, Nov. 23 against Alma in the first round of the Kiwanis-Wittenberg Tip-Off Classic.


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