Men’s basketball coach Nate Mast resigns, leaves trail of success

“I have received several calls and emails from candidates expressing interest in the position but I will need to see who officially applies,” Lovett said.

“It takes a very unique individual who understands the complicated nature of NJCAA D-2 Basketball and is willing to take on the challenges. We want to hire the best basketball coach we can, but also keeping in mind that they must as committed to the position of Academic Monitor as they are the coaching position.”

The goal is to keep this program moving in a positive direction and hopefully share the same positive outlook of Parkland that Mast held.

Lovett will be interviewing applicants in an attempt to fill the position as quickly as possible. He requires that they share a complement of characteristics including a commitment to teaching, a person with high integrity and a strong work ethic. Some of the same characteristics he saw in the former head coach.

Mast was asked if he would change anything about his time at Parkland.

“Why try to be happier than happy?” Mast replied. “I enjoyed it all here at Parkland and wouldn't change a thing.”

“I'm hoping SIU is as family-oriented as Parkland,” Mast said. “This is exactly what I would want at a community college; a place where everyone works together and knows each other. I will miss the people of Parkland: faculty, staff, administrators, and of course, the students.”