Chad Tompkins poised to become permanent girls' basketball coach at Linn-Mar

MARION — As a player, Chad Tompkins played for Brad Randall at Solon.

As an assistant, he served under coaches like Larry Niemeyer, Stu Ordman, Jaime Brandt, Nate Sanderson and Chris Robertson.

Not bad for mentorship. And now, Tompkins is ready to build something of his own.

'I'm looking forward to this opportunity.' Tompkins said Monday, shortly after it was announced that he will head the Linn-Mar girls' basketball program going forward, pending board approval.

'It's something I have had as an aspiration for quite a while, and I'm glad it's happening at Linn-Mar.'

Tompkins, 39, served as interim coach after Sanderson stepped down in January, going 4-5 down the stretch to conclude an 8-14 season for the Lions.

The transition 'couldn't have gone more smooth,' according to Linn-Mar associate athletics director Tonya Moe. 'It wasn't just what he did for us the last nine games,' Moe said. 'He has been loyal to our program since he came here.

'I don't always get lucky, but I feel like I've gotten lucky with this one.'

About 80 percent of Linn-Mar's scoring is projected to return for 2020-21, which could signal an uptick.

Tompkins has served as an assistant, both boys and girls, at Cedar Rapids Jefferson and Linn-Mar.

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