Ferris tabs Servine as interim coach

Ferris graduate and assistant Rob Servine has been selected to serve as interim head basketball coach of the Saxons to begin the season Monday while head coach Don Van Lierop remains on paid administrative leave.

Last week, Van Lierop was suspended after Spokane police began an investigation following allegations of sexual impropriety made by a female student.

Servine hopes his position is temporary.

“That would be nice,” he said. “I’m hoping Don is back soon and doing what he’s good at. I have too much respect for him and hate what he and his family are going through right now.”

A 1992 Ferris graduate and basketball player, Servine earlier played junior varsity for Van Lierop. He volunteered as an assistant coach for three years when his brother played at Ferris, and returned following a six-year enlistment in the Navy. He is beginning his sixth year as a paid assistant as junior varsity coach.

“While the investigation is still ongoing, it was logical to go with Rob,” Ferris activities coordinator Mike Syron said. “He coached all the kids, knows the kids and parents. He’s the best choice for the program.”

Syron and Servine both said they have no information about Van Lierop’s situation, other than what has been reported.

Servine said that when workouts begin, the team will run the offenses it did during the summer.

“I’ve talked to the players already and they’re all on board,” he said. “Coaching has been a big part of my life for the past 10 years, give or take, and this is a tremendous opportunity. But I want to see this have a happy ending and see Don come back.”