It will be a case of the teacher vs. the student when the Monmouth
College men’s basketball team meets Western Illinois University in
an exhibition game Thursday at Western Hall at 7 p.m. Admission is
free.
Former Bradley coach Jim Molinari will make his Leathernecks
debut against Monmouth’s Mark Vershaw, now in his second year with
the Fighting Scots. Vershaw was recruited by Molinari when the
28-year coaching veteran led the Bradley Braves. Vershaw’s brother,
Jim, an assistant with the Fighting Scots, played for Molinari at
Bradley from 1997-99.
Vershaw’s Scots finished last season with a 7-15 record after
beginning the year with five contests against Division II or
scholarship schools. Monmouth reeled off four straight wins in
January and was 7-6 with two overtime losses after Jan. 4. The Scots
return five players with significant playing time from a year ago
and need to find a replacement for three-time all-conference center
Joe Terwelp.
The Leathernecks are in a youth movement of sorts, returning just
two players with significant playing time. They have added four
newcomers, including a trio of juco transfers.
