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Gene Gifford begins his first season as the head coach of the Olivet College men's basketball program in 2007-08. Gifford, a 1973 Olivet graduate, also serves as an
instructor in the college's Health, Physical
Education, Recreation and Sport Department.
Prior to joining the Comet
coaching staff, Gifford was at Muskegon Community College (MCC) where he was the head men’s basketball coach since 1981. He had also been the athletic director at MCC for the last 14 years.
While at MCC, Gifford recorded his 400th career win during the 2006-07 season. He was selected as the 2002‑03 Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan Junior College Coach of the Year, the 1996-97 and 1999-2000 Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) Western Conference Coach of the Year and 1989-90 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region XII Coach of the Year. During the 1990-2000 season, Gifford guided MCC to the MCCAA Western Conference title. In 1989-90, MCC was the runner-up at the NJCAA Division II National Championships. Gifford was also named the MCCAA Athletic Director of the Year in 1995-96 and 2006-07.
Gifford’s coaching career began in 1973-74 as a varsity assistant and head junior varsity coach at Alma College. From 1974-77, he was freshman basketball coach at Oakridge Junior High School in Muskegon. In 1977, Gifford was named the athletic director and varsity basketball coach at Ravenna High School.
A native of Shelby, Gifford began his college career at MCC and finished his career at Olivet, earning a bachelor’s degree in physical education. He went on to earn a master’s degree from Central Michigan University in 1987. Gifford’s family includes wife, Susan, and daughters, Amy and Dana.
Glen Metcalf is in his first season as the assistant men's basketball at Olivet College. Metcalf also serves as an assistant athletic director.
Prior to joining the Olivet staff, Metcalf was an assistant men's basketball coach under Gifford at Muskegon Community College (MCC) for 24 years. Metcalf also served as the athletic director and assistant principal for Muskegon Heights Public Schools.
Metcalf graduated from Muskegon Heights High School (MHHS) and earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Southern Colorado State College (SCSC) in 1973. He later earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Western Michigan University in 1983.
Upon graduation from SCSC, Metcalf returned to MHHS where he has coached varsity sports for 30 years. During his tenure as the varsity football coach, he was named the 1990 Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Class B Coach of the Year. His 1992 team reached the semifinals of the MHSAA state playoffs.
During the 1994-95 basketball season at MCC, Metcalf received the National Junior College Athletic Association Real Sport Award.
Metcalf’s family includes wife, Lisa, and two daughters, Alana and Chyndralesa.
Ryan Bertoia is in his first season as an assistant men’s basketball coach.
Bertoia came to Olivet after spending two seasons as an assistant coach and athletic department intern under Gifford at MCC.
Bertoia attended Lansing Community College. He played baseball for two years, earning second-team All-State honors along with being named to the Academic All-State team. He transferred to Aquinas College and continued his baseball career. He earned a bachelor’s of science degree in business administration and sports management from Aquinas.
Bertoia lives in Lansing with fiancé, Melissa Edwards, and dog, Wyatt.
Newland is in his third season on the men’s basketball coaching staff, serving as the head junior varsity coach and an assistant varsity coach.
Newland has coaching experience in the Harper Creek, Tekonsha and Athens school districts. A 1989 graduate of Tekonsha High School, Newland played baseball, basketball and football for four years.
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Olivet College alumnus receives National Medal of Technology and Innovation