A Dunn Deal

NAMED THE 26TH COACH OF the Dartmouth men's basketball team in April, Terry Dunn was born in North Carolina, grew up in New Jersey and played college ball at Northern Colorado. He begins his career as a head coach, having served as an assistant at West Point, the Air Force Academy, Colorado State and the University of Colorado. Twin brother of West Virginia assistant coach Jerry Dunn, Terry and wife Gilda have two children: Tara, a sophomore at the Air Force Academy, and Aaron, a high school senior. Coach Dunn spoke*with DAM before practice got under way for the 2005 season, which opens November 23 at home against Quinnipiac.

What did you know about Dartmouth before coming here?

I was most familiar with the Colleges academic reputation and some of its prominent graduates. Having grown up on the East Coast, I was also familiar with Ivy League athletics.

What can you say about Dartmouth so far?

I have been impressed with the number of alumni who are still active in the life of the College. Hanover is a great setting, and people have been very receptive, friendly and willing to help. The administration has been very supportive; they want to move the program in the right direction, toward success.

What has been the most surprising aspect of your Dartmouth experience thus far?

The players' attitude and work ethic.

What's it like to take your first head- coaching job?

It has been a pleasant whirlwind. I've always worked for this opportunity. I feel I've paid my dues. So much of this job goes beyond the Xs and Os. I enjoy meeting people and building relationships, something that is especially important at Dartmouth. The number of people who care deeply about Dartmouth is something I haven't seen elsewhere.

What's the difference between the Big 12 and the Ivy League?

The biggest difference is that the Ivy League doesn't offer athletic scholarships, so the student-athlete comes at the sport with a different perspective, more of a love for the game. I'm fortunate to have coached at schools with solid academic traditions and have always wanted to coach in an atmosphere that placed significant importance on academics. That is surely the case here. The key will be finding student-athletes who are a good match for the school.

What do you see as the job's biggest challenges?

Recruiting. Helping students balance sports with academic life. Fighting a lack of a strong basketball tradition. The administration wants to put Dartmouth basketball on the map and has given us the means to make that happen.

What is your basic coaching philosophy?

I'm looking to put my players in a position to succeed. I have to be a teacher as well as a coach. Players must practice well to pass the tests that come during games. I'm a stickler for defense and unselfish play, and I prefer a motion offense. My favorite players are overachievers, hard workers.

What is your recipe for bringing Dartmouth basketball to prominence?

Hard work, sound fundamentals and unselfish play. I don't like to put pressure on the players; that's something for the staff to bear. If we can put the players in the position to become competitive night in and night out, success will follow.

On the Bali Dunn, here in Leede Arena,says he's impressed by the leadershipof seniors such as Steve Callahan 05.

QUOTE/UNQUOTE "The big priority is security. It kind of drowns out everything else. We continue to get pounded by viruses, and it eats up an awful lot of manpower." BRAD NOBLET, DIRECTOR OF DARTMOUTH'S TECHNICAL SERVICES, IN THE AUGUST NETWORK WORLD