Dominguez earns 100th win

Every coach celebrates accomplishments differently. It could be an acknowledgement in a post-game interview or a large celebration involving the entire team. Western men’s basketball head coach, Tony Dominguez, celebrated his 100th career win on the team bus, driving back from their game against Western Oregon University. “The personal stuff will come,” Dominguez said. “I didn't focus on [it being my 100th win] at all.” Dominguez has remained at Western for 22 years in both assistant and head coach positions.

“Being able to look at [Dominguez] and see how calm he is in certain situations is definitely calming.”

Deandre Dickson

“You’re in a situation where you’re consistent, so you can create your schedule to make it work for your family,” Dominguez said. “I feel very blessed for that and very grateful that I’m in the situation that I am.”   As a member of the coaching staff, Dominguez has won five Great Northwest Athletic Conference championships since 2002 and a national championship in 2012. With an overall record of 102-40 as head coach, Dominguez became the fastest coach in school history to surpass 100 wins. Dominguez’s on-court accomplishments are matched by a passion to mentor his players. Dominguez said this is driven by a heart condition that prevented him from playing college basketball.

“I felt like I had a huge dream and goal that was taken from me,” Dominguez said. “It’s  always been a passion for me to help others achieve their dreams.” Senior guard Taylor Stafford was impressed with his first impression of Dominguez when he transferred to Western from the University of Evansville. “It was a very genuine conversation,” Stafford said. “He was just getting to know me.” The game that put Dominguez into the triple-digit win column took place Saturday, Jan. 14, with an 84-76 victory over WOU in Monmouth, Oregon. The Vikings fell behind by six points in the first half, but clawed their way back to secure the victory. “It’s always a little sweet when you’re down and you’re able to come back and win,” junior forward Deandre Dickson said. Dickson was the leading scorer against WOU, with a game-high of 25 points and 13 rebounds. “Being able to look at [Dominguez] and see how calm he is in certain situations is definitely calming,” Dickson said.  

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