The Colleges : Wilson Says This Season Is His Last at Chapman

Kevin Wilson said Wednesday he will retire as men’s basketball coach at Chapman College after the 1988-89 season.

Wilson, who has coached at Chapman since 1984, said he will remain at the college until his contract expires at the end of August.

After this season, Wilson said he plans to pursue “other opportunities,” which might include coaching.

“I’ve had five rewarding years at Chapman, but it’s a case of self-inventory,” Wilson said. “I’ve been coaching all my life, and it may be time for a change. I’ll have time to look at other options, and it gives the school time to find a replacement.”

Said Athletic Director Walt Bowman: “He wanted to look around for the year and decide what he would like to do.” Wilson has a record of 51-59 at Chapman, including a 16-11 mark in 1987-88. He has also coached at San Francisco State and Metro College in Minnesota.

Chapman officials will conduct a “national search” according to Bowman, who also said that a new coach probably will not be selected before late February.

Bowman hopes a decision will be reached early enough to allow the new coach to recruit players. Wilson will help with recruiting until a new coach takes over.

“It’s difficult to say how active he (Wilson) will be,” Bowman said. “Obviously he can tell potential students (about) the school’s strengths. He can’t very well say, ‘Come to the college, but I won’t be here.’ But I think Kevin will be up front.”