Michael Spicer named new GRCC basketball coach

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Leah Nixon

Director of Communications

616-234-4213

lnixon@grcc.edu

May 14, 2015 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. —A Grand Rapids native with more than 15 years of coaching experience will head Grand Rapids Community College's basketball program.Michael Spicer, 44, was named GRCC's new basketball coach. "Mike Spicer will be a very important part in the development of our men's basketball program," said athletic director Charles Wells. "We just had a showcase for the team tryouts and close to 100 students participated. I feel this is all because Mike is our new coach."Spicer, a Central High School graduate, played for well-respected coach Rick Majerus at Ball State University. He made appearances in four post-season tournaments: 1991-92 NIT, 1989-90 NCAA "Sweet 16," and 2 MAC Conference championships. Before graduating with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice in 1992, he set a record for most games played in a career and a win-loss record.He was head varsity coach at Godfrey Lee High and Grand Rapids Christian High schools, and his record includes two OK White championships, two district championships and one regional championship. He also has coached at the freshmen and junior varsity levels at Central, and Creston, Union and East Kentwood high schools. "I love teaching and mentoring young men through coaching -- not to mention the opportunity it provides me to stay involved with the game I love and keep my competitive juices flowing," Spicer said.Spicer follows T.J. Carnegie, whose GRCC tenure began in 2011. Carnegie left last fall for an out-of-state job opportunity. David Selmon, who led the GRCC men’s basketball team for 19 years, served as coach for the remainder of this past season.

Grand Rapids Community College has been offering educational opportunities in West Michigan for 100 years. Established in 1914, the college offers degree courses, certification and training programs, and workshops and personal enrichment classes. Offerings are held on GRCC’s downtown Grand Rapids campus, and at several locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties, as well as through distance learning.