Namolik became the permanent coach after using the 2008-09 season as his live audition and outlasting approximately 50 applicants -- and two other finalists -- who were interviewed by an 11-person search committee.
One of the three finalists was Hood College coach Tom Dickman, who graduated from Shepherd before spending 29 years coaching at Thomas Johnson.
"We had three finalists, but one withdrew his application before the second round of interviews," Wolf said. "There were a number of strengths and weaknesses that were determined by the search committee and we talked through them. And the committee figured Jason was the right candidate for this time."
For Namolik, who spent two years as Tyler's assistant before his interim stint, the hiring was the completion of a personal goal. He began stating his case by guiding the Rams to a 13-16 record, including an 11-9 mark and a trip to the tournament quarterfinals in the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
"When I came here as an assistant coach, I set a goal to become a head coach," said Namolik. "I am very appreciative of this opportunity. ... You have made an investment in me."
With that investment, Namolik thanked a number of people, ranging from his wife Kerri and his mother to Shepherd's administration, coaches and players. He also promised a new era in Shepherd basketball, using three main building blocks as the foundation.
"Goals, commitment and teamwork. That's what I'm all about," Namolik said. "I set a goal to become a Division II head coach and today I achieved it."
Namolik said he approached the interim job with an eye to Shepherd's future. He hit the recruiting trail fully expecting to return as the head coach next season.
"I want to change the culture," said the Columbia University graduate who played high school ball at Wheeling Park. "I want to make it a culture of success. ... I want to build an annual contender in the WVIAC and to be able to consistently play in the NCAA tournament."
