Michael Seabolt, Asst Coach, Missouri State Bears
Meanwhile, two more possible candidates have come to light: Missouri State assistant Michael Seabolt and longtime UWM women’s assistant David Nikolic.
Seabolt was the coach at West Virginia from 2003-05, leading the Mountaineers to a 30-25-6 record and into the second round of the NCAA tournament in 2005 – it was the program’s first NCAA berth since 1992.
The Panther’s are an NCAA Division I program that plays in the Horizon League and has played in eight NCAA Tournaments, including a run of five-straight years. Former Head Coach Jon Coleman spent 17 years with UW-Milwaukee as a player, assistant coach and four years as Head Coach. He was an assistant on teams that won five regular season conference and four Horizon League Tournament titles. The announcement that Coleman would not continue as Head Coach after a 20-44-12 record over four years was made November 20th.
Seabolt is one of six candidates that have been identified by Wisconsin Soccer Central and offered the following feedback when contacted by the website:
“I’d rather not say,” Seabolt said Thursday when asked if he was interested in the UWM opening. “I’d rather just say that I know that it’s a great job and a great school, and certainly you always take a look at those things. … I’ve got a great job. But West Virginia was a great job. Certainly if there are good opportunities, you’re always open-minded.”
In a follow-up e-mail, Seabolt wrote: “I am open to a career move that can be fairly long-term, and to taking a head coaching position at a place where I can make a difference. I am confident that such an opportunity will come my way at the right time.”
These statements match what Seabolt has indicated to me during earlier conversations. I believe Seabolt has played a significant role in the development of the Missouri State Bears program during his three seasons on campus. The Bear’s reached the MVC Tournament Final in 2008 and followed that up in 2009 with the MVC Regular season title and their first NCAA invitation in 10 years. It’s not a question of if, but when, Seabolt finds an NCAA Division I program that is a good fit. I’m guessing this isn’t it.
Or maybe I’m hoping this isn’t the one. It would be nice to avail ourselves of Seabolt’s services for another year in Springfield.
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