Clarke University names new head men's basketball coach - KWWL - Eastern Iowa Breaking News, Weather, Closings

Clarke University has named Jim Blaine as its next head men's basketball coach.

He is replacing Jerry Drymon, who stepped down after six seasons with Clarke.

Blaine joined Clarke's men's basketball coaching staff in 2013, according to a release from the university. Prior to that, he served for 14 years at Benton High School in southwest Wisconsin, amassing a 215-115 overall record there.

His teams won seven conference titles and a league record six years in a row, from 2007 to 2012. They also claimed six regional championships and one sectional championship, and Blaine's 2009 team won the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association Division 4 State Championship.

Curt Long, Clarke's director of athletics, said he's pleased to announce Blaine as the university's new head basketball coach.

“Jim brings a wealth of experience, wisdom and success to our program," Long said. "Our current players enjoyed working with Jim as our assistant coach the past year. They and our recruits are excited to begin a new era under his leadership.”

“I’m excited to continue what Coach Drymon has started,” Blaine said. “It’s a challenging step in my career, but one I take on with enthusiasm and determination. Thanks to Clarke for taking a chance on me a year ago and for this tremendous opportunity. Go Crusaders!”

Blaine was also the head boys basketball coach at Southwestern High School for four years and Belmont High School girls basketball coach for three years prior to working at Benton High School.

"Blaine was a five-time Six Rivers West Coach of the Year honoree," a statement from Clarke University says. "The 2009 AP State Coach of the Year and WBCA State Coach of the Year was a two-time Telegraph Herald All-Area coach of the year."

Blaine is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and lives in Benton, Wis. with his wife and three boys.