More on LPC Coach Lon Rork

From the Las Positas College athletics site:

With his recent appointment as head coach of the LPC men's basketball team, Lon Rork is ready to build upon the success of former coach Tony Costello. 

"I believe that Coach Costello ran one of the best community college programs in the state of California, and I will try and continue the tradition that he built here," said Rork, who moves to LPC after 6 years as associate head coach at Diablo Valley College. "I will put my own imprints on the program, but first and foremost, the emphasis will be on building a winning program and helping the student-athletes move on to four-year schools." 

Rork brings a wealth of coaching experience at the collegiate level to the Hawks' program. Aside from his time at DVC, where the Vikings won 135 games, 2 Big 8 championships, and went to the state's Final Eight, Rork spent 4 years at Division I St. Mary's College and 2 years at Division III University of Dallas. 

He inherits a team that went 6-21 last season, including 1-11 in the Coast Conference North Division. 

His team's style of play will be dictated by the types of players he can recruit to LPC. 

"I have always been around programs that emphasize, and are built around, a solid half-court defense, and that is where our team will build from this year," Rork said. "On offense, I like to get the ball up the court quickly and attack the defense before they have a chance to set up. But with that, we will have a good half-court motion offense, and players will be given the freedom to make plays within our structure." 

Ironically, Rork almost landed at LPC in 2006 for the Hawks' first season of basketball. He said that he was asked to be an assistant coach under Costello but chose DVC because of its proximity to home. 

"What I didn't know but have come to learn in my short time at Las Positas is how great a college and athletic department they have here," he said. 

Needless to say, Rork is excited about his first head coaching opportunity. 

"I feel that at this level as a coach and teacher, I can have the greatest positive impact on the student athletes lives. For most of the students, it is their first college experience, so it is important for them to build good habits both on and off the court," he said. "They need to realize that this is just a stop along their educational journey, and the lessons they learn on the basketball floor and in the classroom here can help them be successful as they matriculate on to four-year schools." 

Rork will be assisted by Tyler Goldman, who also moves over from DVC. 

The Hawks open the 2013-14 season in the 8th annual LPC Tip-Off Classic on Nov. 7-9 in Livermore.