Dunlap Brings Variety of Skills to Cal Lutheran

As an assistant basketball coach at USC for the past three seasons, Michael Dunlap was known for his rapport with players.

In addition to coaching basketball, Dunlap counseled players on academics. “He was one of several assistant coaches who was in charge of helping players with their academics,” USC Coach George Raveling said.

Based on Dunlap’s impressive academic background and Division I coaching experience, Cal Lutheran hired him to coach its men’s basketball team. Dunlap succeeds Larry Lopez, who had a 37-49 record in three seasons.

Before to coming to USC in 1986, Dunlap was Raveling’s assistant at Iowa for three seasons. He was also an assistant at Loyola Marymount after playing for the Lions in 1979-80.

Dunlap, 30, who is pursuing a doctorate in secondary and higher education, was selected from more than 90 applicants for the Cal Lutheran position--his first as a head coach.

“He really has a strong Division I background,” Cal Lutheran Athletic Director Robert Doering said. “He has a really good reputation as an educator-coach and it will be good to bring in a coach with that kind of background.”

In addition to coaching basketball, Dunlap also will be the associate director of development at Cal Lutheran. His duties will include assisting in fund-raising efforts.

“There is no doubt in my mind that Mike is ready to be a head coach,” Raveling said. “He understands very well the delicate balance between academics and athletics.”

Lopez coached the Kingsmen on a part-time basis, leading them to the semifinals of the NAIA District 3 playoffs two seasons ago. The Kingsmen slipped to an 11-17 record last season.