Jon Harris Formally Introduced as Head Men's Basketball Coach
EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – In front of a packed house of media and supporters, Jon Harris was formally introduced as SIUE's eighth men's basketball head coach.
Joined by his wife Heidi and children Hailey, Leah, and Jaxson, Harris addressed the room and answered questions from media members. Both Jon and Heidi were presented with custom Cougar jerseys by SIUE Director of Athletics Dr. Brad Hewitt.
"You hire someone because you like them, because you trust them, you know they are going to represent you well, and that they will be a great advocate for your institution," Hewitt said. "Most of all it's about fit. I know we have found the best fit to lead our program to the next level."
"These opportunities are so hard to come by for assistant coaches," Harris said. "This is an honor for me. I am very humbled, and that's an understatement."
Harris also appealed directly to the Cougar fans and the surrounding community.
"We need you to create an atmosphere in the Vadalabene Center that is one of the best in the Ohio Valley Conference," Harris said. "Every opposing team that comes into this gym needs to have a little fear in their hearts when they step in between those lines. You can make that happen for us."
