Men’s Basketball
The Orca men’s basketball team is currently tied for third place in the NWAACC North Region standings with a league record of 4-3. The team most recently defeated Skagit Valley College, 70-67, on Jan. 23. The Orcas will try to extend their winning streak to three consecutive games, when they face Olympic Community College on Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. in the Pavilion.
Women’s Basketball
The Orca women’s basketball team, meanwhile, finds themselves 3-4 in league competition and in the middle of the NWAACC’s North Region standings after a 73-64 loss to Skagit Valley College on Jan. 23. They will hit the hardwood next on Jan. 27 at 5 p.m. in the Pavilion, against Olympic Community College.
Nims released as women’s head coach; Rawlins named interim coach
The Whatcom women’s basketball team has a new head coach. Becky Rawlings, who served as head coach for the first 11 years of the athletic program, will replace the coach who succeeded her in 2007, Piper Nims.
Rawlings, who is currently human resources director at Whatcom, will finish out the season with the team while a permanent replacement is sought. Rawlings will help the new head coach transition to the team once hired. A Jan. 22 press release said that Whatcom plans to conduct a full search for the position “immediately.”
Nims was released from her contract with the college on Jan. 21, although Nathan Langstraat, associate director for advancement at Whatcom, said that the remainder of Nims’ contract would be paid out. She was assistant coach under Rawlings for three seasons before becoming head coach beginning with the 2007-2008 season.
The women’s team finished last season with an 11-5 record, good enough for third in the NWAACC North Region standings. Nims’ record with the team, including their 3-4 record as of press time, was 22-17.
Rawlings, tenure as coach resulted in one division championship, which came during the 2000-2001 season after a 15-1 league record. She also led the team to two co-championships, and holds a career record of 177-138.
