When Morton College named Glen Heffernan as men's basketball coach, the Panthers landed an individual with experience at every facet of running an outstanding program all the way from high school to NCAA Division I.
He's been associated with the best and the brightest in college coaching circles, serving on the staffs of Morton College alum Jerry Wainwright at DePaul, Tim Floyd at UTEP, Will Rey at Loyola, Jimmy Collins and Bob Hallberg at UIC, Dick Hunsaker at Ball State and Steve Hawkins at Western Michigan.
He's also run one of Illinois' largest scouting services, which put Heffernan in contact with coaches at all levels. And when given a program of his own, Heffernan produces winners.
Heffernan spent two seasons as head coach of the Midwest Elite Prep School in Merrillville, Ind. Heffernan had an overall record of 54-10 with several victories over nationally ranked schools including Fishbone Prep, ranked No. 1 in the nation.
At Lalumiere Prep School in LaPorte, Ind., Heffernan posted an overall record of 62-8. Under the guidance of Heffernan, Lalumiere Prep finished No. 8 and No. 6 in the nation and advanced to play in the ESPN Rise High School Championships both years.
Heffernan also has had success at the high school level, winning 70 games and claiming back-to-back conference titles at Mather High School. At Rich Central, Heffernan's teams won 62 games in three years and sent 20 players on to four-year schools.
"I'm excited to building the program at Morton College," Heffernan said. "There's a solid foundation here and we want to keep going in that direction. We'd like to go to nationals and play down in Danville."
While Heffernan has coached at many different levels, one of his most important life lessons came at the community college level. The native of Chicago's North Side attended Harper College, where his goal was to major in "basketball." While Harper coach Roger Bechtold didn't burst Heffernan's basketball bubble, he did make his player recognize the value of an education.
"He put me on the right track," Heffernan said. "He helped me get serious about education. He helped me understand that you can help kids by using the game of basketball to get their lives on track."
Heffernan is recognized for his ability to prepare players for the next level. Over the years, coaches willingly steer players Heffernan's way.
"My program is built around having players constantly improve and evolve," Heffernan explained. "I like to see our players develop as people and players. We spent a lot of time together and it's only fair I attempt to get our players on to a four-year university."
Operating a scouting service also helped Heffernan get to know more coaches across various levels.
"Running the scouting service allowed me to meet so many people at different levels," Heffernan said. "Once that relationship is built, it makes much easier to call a coach and help a player get a scholarship."
Starting in high school, Heffernan has associated with quality coaches. As a player at Von Steuben High School, Heffernan played for Clint Lewis and Rus Bradburd, who went on to coach with Don Haskins and Tim Floyd at UTEP and Lou Henson at New Mexico State.
"Our goal is to bring in good people on and off the court," Heffernan said. "I see them using their Morton College experience to get their education paid for the next level. That's what I want them to do."
