Meet the coaching candidate: Brian Erickson

Erick Starkey
Posted 4/20/18

Brian Erickson, one of three finalists for the Eastern Wyoming College head men’s basketball coach and fitness center director positions, had his public forum Wednesday, where he had a 30-minute presentation, followed by questions from the students, staff and community.

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Meet the coaching candidate: Brian Erickson

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TORRINGTON – Brian Erickson, one of three finalists for the Eastern Wyoming College head men’s basketball coach and fitness center director positions, had his public forum Wednesday, where he had a 30-minute presentation, followed by questions from the students, staff and community.

Like the other two candidates, Erickson, who has coached at Northwest College for nine years, has black and gold in his history. He was a student athlete for EWC from 2002-2004. As a player on the court, the Salt Lake City, Utah native helped the Lancers to two Region IX titles. In one of those years, Erickson and the rest of his team finished eighth in the NJCAA National Tournament.

“I love Powell and I love the college… but No. 1 is I’m an alum,” Erickson said on why he wants to coach for EWC. “How many times can you say you have that passion to do the job where you had two of the best years of your life.”

Following his time as a Lancer, Erickson went on to play his next two seasons as a student athlete at Montana State University-Northern.

Erickson got back into basketball by becoming an assistant coach for Northwest College for three seasons (2009-2012). During that span, the Trappers went 64-30. Erickson then stepped into the head coach position, a spot he has held for six years. In that time, his teams have put up a combined record of 120-73. He coached the 2014-15 Trappers that won the region and finished in the Elite Eight at the national tournament.

When it comes to Erickson as a coach, defense comes first.

“The philosophy is developed around our high-pressure defense,” he said. “I believe that your defense needs to make your offense.”

Erickson still thinks about his offense, which he termed “high-tempo,” but not “up-tempo.”

“I don’t want to run and gun and go with up-tempo, but high-tempo,” Erickson said. “It’s moving at a high pace, but under control – moving the ball and not letting the ball stick.”

The coaching candidate also touched on the fitness center director portion of the open position. He noted one of the big things in running the fitness center is to get students involved in helping run it, with a focus on growing membership.

“It’s important to get those new members feeling comfortable and that we can keep them there and keep them coming back,” Erickson said.

Whether on the hardwood or in the fitness center, Erickson is looking to be a Lancer again.

“I’m looking for the spot, not the next spot,” Erickson said. “I’ve been in Powell for nine years and I’ve loved every bit of it… but, I want to be here and I want to win championships here. Again, this place means a lot to me.

Erickson’s forum on Wednesday was the second of three forums. Andy Ward, associate head coach at Idaho State University, had his forum Monday and Tim Moser, assistant women’s basketball coach at Colorado State University, had his public forum Thursday after press time.