West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University has announced updates to its men's basketball coaching staff for the 2025-26 season. Head Coach Chad Boudreau will continue to lead the program, supported by returning Assistant Coach Kris Glover. The team also welcomes several new coaches who bring varied backgrounds and experience.

Bryan Martin joins the Leathernecks after serving as an assistant coach at the University of South Carolina during the 2024–25 season. Before that, he was head coach at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he led his team to a share of the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) regular season championship with a 13-3 conference record. Martin's coaching career includes a 166-134 overall record, an A-R-C regular season title, an A-R-C postseason title, and two NCAA tournament appearances.

Charles 'Chuck' Ruffing comes from Bryant & Stratton College in Wisconsin, where he was head coach of the men's basketball team. Under his leadership, the Bobcats finished their season with a 23-10 record and reached the NJCAA Region 4 Championship game.

Solon Ellis arrives from Indian Hills Community College after working as an assistant coach during the previous season. He previously served as a graduate assistant for Southern Utah University's men's basketball program.

Nick Mires will join Western Illinois as a graduate assistant after supporting basketball operations at Campbell University.

The university stated: "The Leathernecks are excited to welcome these new additions to the team. Their diverse experiences, strong work ethic, and passion for the game will make an immediate impact on our program. We look forward to the energy and dedication they'll bring as we continue to build toward a successful season."

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