By Amanda Coulson
Jon Tanous joined the Penn State Abington family in the fall semester of 2015, as the full time Head Men’s Basketball Coach. He is from Liberty, New York and is ecstatic to be a part of our team. He was a student athlete and played on many great teams. He played for SUNY- Potsdam when they made it into the NCAA D-III March Madness tournament. Immediately after his graduation from SUNY-Potsdam he became the assistant coach of the basketball team. He later became a top assistant and offensive coordinator at Ithaca College. At Ithaca, Tanous lead his team to two tournament championships, the NCAA Sweet Sixteen, and the team was ranked number 19 in the country. He earned a bachelor’s degree in childhood education with a minor in history and a master’s degree in technology education at SUNY- Potsdam. Jon is honored to enter this new chapter of leading Penn State Abington’s basketball team into greater things.
Jon Tanous joined the Penn State Abington family in the fall semester of 2015, as the full time Head Men’s Basketball Coach. He is from Liberty, New York and is ecstatic to be a part of our team. He was a student athlete and played on many great teams. He played for SUNY- Potsdam when they made it into the NCAA D-III March Madness tournament. Immediately after his graduation from SUNY-Potsdam he became the assistant coach of the basketball team. He later became a top assistant and offensive coordinator at Ithaca College. At Ithaca, Tanous lead his team to two tournament championships, the NCAA Sweet Sixteen, and the team was ranked number 19 in the country. He earned a bachelor’s degree in childhood education with a minor in history and a master’s degree in technology education at SUNY- Potsdam. Jon is honored to enter this new chapter of leading Penn State Abington’s basketball team into greater things.
When asked what made him come to Abington, Jon could not see a better opportunity. He was looking to be a full time Head Coach, and could not be more proud to lead this team. He was drawn by the development this school has in the near future, such as the residence hall that will be built in 2017. He also looked at the location saying, “Penn State Abington is a hidden gem.” Meaning not many in and around Philadelphia know about this school, which is very affordable for a Penn State education. Jon went on to say more about what brought him here, “wanting to lead my own program, and the opportunities that Penn State Abington can present a student athlete both academically and athletically.” Needless to say Jon expressed much gratitude towards this school, the students, and the opportunity.
Jon not only cares about his team on the court but academically as well. He keeps a file on every student on his team so he can monitor their success in the classroom. He emphasizes, “There comes a time that the air comes out of the basketball, at some point the sport will end and you have to look towards your mind and education.” He is not only a coach to these athletes, but a true mentor. Jon is proud of the fact that everyone he has recruited or coached has received their degrees. He thinks it is important to put academic success before any wins or championships.
Although his degrees might not seem to be directly related to coaching basketball, they have helped shape his career as a coach. On the court he is still teaching and at the same time is helping young men be successful. It is an ideal career for him, to do something he not only loves but is also self-rewarding. He is excited to use his coaching experience and use his skills to be the head coach. Jon’s vision for this team is that by year three he hopes Penn State Abington can be competing for a conference championship.
As far as advice for students, Jon has a lot to say, “Go after your set goals; don’t underestimate what you can achieve. Find the right people in your life who can help you achieve your goals. Sometimes we are reluctant to seek help, but find a professor, a coach, a person that can motivate you and push you.” Another piece of advice is communication. He stresses how having the ability to interact with people and being friendly can lead to success in any career. Jon went on to say, “far too often our heads are down looking at the screens of our phones, instead of interacting with each other.” We sometimes have to take a step back from technology and look someone in the eye.
Jon is passionate about coaching, recruiting, teaching, and mentoring, and is hopeful and excited for what the future holds for Penn State Abington. Jon is excited that his recruiting efforts came to fruition for the upcoming season, bringing in 12 new players. He also encourages everyone, students, alumni, and friends to come out to games and support our team. “We Are…Penn State.” Come out and support the team at their first home game of the season in the Athletic Building on campus on November 30th!
Penn State Basketball Schedule
Penn State Athletics Website
Jon not only cares about his team on the court but academically as well. He keeps a file on every student on his team so he can monitor their success in the classroom. He emphasizes, “There comes a time that the air comes out of the basketball, at some point the sport will end and you have to look towards your mind and education.” He is not only a coach to these athletes, but a true mentor. Jon is proud of the fact that everyone he has recruited or coached has received their degrees. He thinks it is important to put academic success before any wins or championships.
Although his degrees might not seem to be directly related to coaching basketball, they have helped shape his career as a coach. On the court he is still teaching and at the same time is helping young men be successful. It is an ideal career for him, to do something he not only loves but is also self-rewarding. He is excited to use his coaching experience and use his skills to be the head coach. Jon’s vision for this team is that by year three he hopes Penn State Abington can be competing for a conference championship.
As far as advice for students, Jon has a lot to say, “Go after your set goals; don’t underestimate what you can achieve. Find the right people in your life who can help you achieve your goals. Sometimes we are reluctant to seek help, but find a professor, a coach, a person that can motivate you and push you.” Another piece of advice is communication. He stresses how having the ability to interact with people and being friendly can lead to success in any career. Jon went on to say, “far too often our heads are down looking at the screens of our phones, instead of interacting with each other.” We sometimes have to take a step back from technology and look someone in the eye.
Jon is passionate about coaching, recruiting, teaching, and mentoring, and is hopeful and excited for what the future holds for Penn State Abington. Jon is excited that his recruiting efforts came to fruition for the upcoming season, bringing in 12 new players. He also encourages everyone, students, alumni, and friends to come out to games and support our team. “We Are…Penn State.” Come out and support the team at their first home game of the season in the Athletic Building on campus on November 30th!
Penn State Basketball Schedule
Penn State Athletics Website