Program's upside is great, Missouri Western coach says

After winning more than 300 games coaching women's basketball on lower levels, David Slifer said he's ready for NCAA Division I.

"The time is right," he said Tuesday.

Slifer was the second of three finalists to interview for Southeast Missouri State University's head coaching position vacated by Ed Arnzen, who retired after 19 seasons. Slifer spent most of the day on the Southeast campus meeting with school officials.

Northeastern Oklahoma A&M coach B.J. Smith was in town Monday and Southeast assistant coach Alan Eads will interview Thursday.

Slifer said Southeast's facilities give the Otahkians a chance to be a special team.

"Everybody told me how great a facility the Show Me Center is. I'm impressed. It's exciting to find a dynamic place where things are happening," he said said. "The upside is great here. Obviously, the goal every year is to win the conference, the conference tournament and go to the NCAA tournament."

Slifer, 41, has spent the past seven seasons at Missouri Western, leading that Division II program to a 161-51 record and six straight national tournaments. This year's squad was No. 1 in the nation but lost in a regional to finish 27-3.

Slifer went 189-28 in six seasons at Mount Mercy College, an NAIA school in Iowa. His squads reached two NAIA semifinals and qualified for the national tournament five times.

Slifer said his teams utilize an up-tempo offensive style and play man-to-man defense.

"We want to push the ball. It's a hard offense to defend," he said. "I strongly believe in conditioning. We're going to be the hardest working team on the floor."

Slifer also made note of his players' academic record.

"This year we had eight of 10 players on the athletic director's honor roll," he said. "Every player I've had in the program four years, or two years for junior college players, have gotten their degree."

Asked why he is the best person for the job, Slifer said, "I've worked my way through the system and have proven I can win at every level. I'm passionate about the game of basketball. Our kids will love the game of basketball by the time they're done."

mmishow@semissourian.com

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