On behalf of the players, staff and supporters of the Titan Interactive Wolves I would like to congratulate Mick Downer on his recent coaching appointments.

Mick has been appointed as Assistant Coach for the Australian team that is participating in the World University Summer Games in Serbia from July 1 - 12. This appointment is a credit to Coach Downers coaching ability, who along with head coach Brett Coxsedge (former Sydney Spirit and West Sydney Razorbacks Assistant Coach) will be managing a talented line-up including Carlin Hughes (St Mary's CA), Ben Allen (St Mary's CA), Cameron Tovey (Townsville Crocodiles), Ryan Bathie (recently signed by the Melbourne Tigers) and Jessie Wagstaff (recently signed by the Perth Wildcats).

Outside the Summer Olympics and Commonwealth Games this is the largest International sporting event. 6000-8000 athletes and officials are living in a custom built "Olympic Village". The Village contains a Shopping Mall, Bank, running track, hospital, cafes and much more and there are police escorts and private buses that transport teams to every venue.

Obviously this is an outstanding appointment for Mick, and we hope that it leads to bigger and better roles in the near future.

Mick's second appointment is as Assistant Coach of the Cairns Taipans in the 2009-10 newNBL season. Having the opportunity to continue to coach in the national league is something that cannot be passed up, and as such the Wanneroo Basketball Association has released Mick Downer from his multi-year contract (effective at seasons end). Mick is committed to guiding the Wolves towards the finals, and will be in Perth whenever his schedule permits.

Current Assistant Coach, NBL Legend and former Wolves Head Coach Eric Watterson, will guide the team in Micks absence. Eric is more than capable of stepping into Micks shoes, having already guided the Wolves to a record of 4-0 when in charge this season - including two wins over the Geraldton Buccaneers.

In Mick's 12 months with the wolfpack he has been able to make many positive changes to the culture of the SBL program, and other programs within the Association. Mick's professional, organised and energetic approach to the coaching will be surely missed at the Wolves, and we wish him well in his future endeavours.

The Wanneroo Basketball Association will now commence its search for a new head coach for Season 2010, as well as candidates to fill a few other coaching positions at various levels within the wolfpack. Any coaches who may be interested in the joining the wolfpack, and who are not currently under contract, are encouraged to confidentially express their interest by contacting me through the Wolves office on 9300 1325 or welcome@wolves.asn.au

Regards

Ryan Hunter
President
Wanneroo Basketball Association