By By SCOTT NOVAK / Niles Daily Star
NILES – Former Niles girls' varsity basketball coach Jim Arnold didn't stay retired long.
Arnold, who left the Niles program after 22 seasons, will join son-in-law Jody Martinez at Bethel College this coming season as an assistant coach.
Arnold had a career record at Niles of 360-139, which included 10 district championships and five regional titles.
"I am very excited about helping out Jody," Arnold said. "We have been talking about it for a couple of years. But it was just kind of talk. It was something that was on the back burner. It was one of those things, 'if you ever retire…' It's going to be a challenge and I look forward to it."
Arnold will be in charge of the defense as well as coaching the junior varsity squad.
He noted that the junior varsity has between eight and 10 games a season.
"I look forward to working with college age kids," he added.
Bethel and Martinez are no strangers to success. Adding the knowledge of his father-in-law will only help make the program stronger.
Martinez is 256-104 in 10 seasons at Bethel. The Lady Pilots were 31-4 last season and advanced to the NAIA "Elite Eight."
Arnold will be replacing departed Heather Huntsman, who went to George Washington University to attend graduate school.
Before he takes on his duties at Bethel, Arnold will get a taste of what type of talent he will have when he coaches Michigan in the upcoming SportsFest.
"I'm looking forward to it," he said about coaching the all-star team.