2008 Woodie Awards
Tyner leads both on and off the court
Veronica Whitmore
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Western’s starting point guard, Kevin Tyner, has had anything but an average basketball career, which began long before he was recruited by Assistant Coach Craig Stanger in 2002.
“I’ve been playing ball all my life,” explained Tyner. “I just love the game.”
Coming to Western in September 2002, Tyner was immediately given the starting point guard position.
“He earned it—he was head-and-shoulders above anyone else we had trying out,” said Wolves Head Coach Tim Hills. “Kevin did what every great point guard does at tryouts, and has continued to do so.”
Tyner initially chose Western because of its basketball program.
“I knew I would have a chance to play earlier, and I knew they had a great coaching staff,” explained Tyner. “I have learned so much from working with Coach Hills and Coach Stanger.”
Since trying out for the Wolves, Tyner has started in every game, including 27 games his freshman year and 26 as a sophomore. Tyner has accomplished a lot and racked some impressive stats as a Wolf, but to Hills, there is one thing that stands out as his greatest accomplishment in basketball.
“It is unusual to start as a freshman, but he did it and he did it well,” said Hills.
Not only was Tyner a starter as a freshman, but he started in the first game in his first year at Western.
“My proudest moment playing ball here was the first game I ever played,” said Tyner. “We were playing the number two-ranked team, and I made the game-winning shot.”
His skill in that game secured him a starting position with the Wolves, and he has only gotten better with time and practice.
As the hardcourt general of the Runnin’ Wolves, Tyner recognizes his important role on the squad. However, he also knows the importance of his teammates, and appreciates their single-minded focus on improvement.
“I enjoy playing with the team we have now more than any other team I have ever been on,” said Tyner. “We have a good working defense and great team unity—the guys on this team are great workers. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
A third-year student with a business major and a minor in sports leadership, Tyner has mastered his time management skills in order to keep good grades while winning games with the Wolves.
“Kevin studies every night and is in the library without fail, all on top of improving his game,” said Hills.
When it comes to the game, Tyner enjoys good basketball, and doesn’t try to mimic any one player.
“I’m not one of those guys who only follows one team—I just like to watch good ball,” he explained.
Kevin doesn’t just enjoy watching good basketball, but likes to play a challenging game as well, especially against a particular conference opponent.
“I look forward to playing Humboldt State every season,” said Tyner. “It is a battle with them every year, and they are always a high ranked team.”
Before coming to Western, Tyner started at the varsity level for the Rams of Central Catholic High School for three seasons. An impressive ball player there, Tyner left a mark on the coaching staff that definitely proved his character.
“Kevin Tyner is, to this day, one of my all-time favorite young men,” said Rams Head Coach Steve Halligan.
According to Halligan, Tyner demonstrated great skill both offensively and defensively at Central Catholic.
“He played with impressive ball handling skill and a lot of speed,” said Halligan.
As the starting point guard his sophomore year, the one thing Tyner and Halligan put some extra effort into was Tyner’s leadership capabilities.
“I encouraged Kevin to make everyone around him a better player by getting them the ball where they could be effective,” explained Halligan. “As a point guard, he had to learn to be a leader both on and off the court.”
Halligan remembers one game in particular in which Tyner proved himself to be a great player and an outstanding leader.
“The last game of his senior year, we were playing David Douglas (tied with Central Catholic for first place in the Mount Hood League), and in the last two minutes, Kevin took over,” said Halligan. “It was back and forth from then on—Kevin against their whole team.”
The Rams won after Tyner’s final shot, giving Central Catholic the league championship in 2002.
With such amazing skill come many acknowledgements, and Tyner earned some great ones while attending Central Catholic. He led his team in assists for two straight years, and was named the team MVP in 2002. Beyond his own team, he earned all-league honorable mention status as a junior and was named Honorable Mention All-State as a senior. His senior year, he was named to first team All-League, and had impressive stats as well.
“Tyner averaged 14 points and 5 assists per game in 2002,” said Halligan.
Tyner has his head on straight, both on and off the court, and, despite his success, knows where to look for guidance when he needs it.
“Off the court, I really admire my mom,” said Tyner. “She’s always there for me.”
Tyner’s mom is not the only person who supports him both as a student and an athlete.
“Kevin Tyner makes me proud every single day,” said Hills. “He is a great kid—he does what he is told, he studies hard and plays hard, and I hope that every coach has the chance to work with such a goal-oriented athlete.”
Tyner can next be seen in action Saturday, Jan. 15, against Northwest Nazarene at 7 p.m. in the New PE Building.