Northwestern University Athletics
Jim Sexton and Tempie Brown Join Wildcat Basketball Staff
5/7/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
May 7, 2004
EVANSTON, Ill. - Jim Sexton and Tempie Brown, both formerly of Lehigh University, were named assistant coaches for Northwestern's women's basketball program. Beth Combs, beginning her first year as head coach of the Wildcats, made the announcement this week.
"I am very excited to have both Jim and Tempie on my staff," said Combs. "Their expertise and experience is second to none, and we have all known and respected each other for some time. Each one of us is ready to make the commitment necessary to move this program in the right direction."
Sexton was the recruiting coordinator and oversaw the defense for the Mountain Hawks for three seasons. As a coach for more than 20 years, he was an assistant coach at the United States Naval Academy for four seasons as well as the head coach at Blackburn College in Carlinville, Ill. for 15 years.
In 2003-04, Lehigh tied for second place in the Patriot League, while also tying a school record for league wins. A year earlier, the Mountain Hawks' defense was second in the league in rebounding.
With Sexton running the defense at Navy, the team placed first in scoring defense, field goal percentage (defense) and rebounding during the 1999-2000 season. Navy tied for the Patriot League championship in 1997-98 and compiled a 67-46 overall record with Sexton on staff.
At Blackburn, Sexton was a three-time conference Coach of the Year and in 1992-93, he was named the Illinois Coaches Association's Division III Coach of the Year.
Sexton is a 1978 graduate of Blackburn College, where he earned a bachelor's degreein elementary education. He also earned a master's in physical education from Southern Illinois in 1986.
"I have known Jim for several years, and while we have wanted to work together previously, the opportunity hasn't presented itself until now," said Combs. "Jim knows the game and he knows players. His recruiting ties in the Chicago and St. Louis areas are invaluable and will provide a steady local presence on the court."
Brown served as an assistant coach for two seasons, overseeing Lehigh's guards as well as assisting with recruiting and the team's strength and conditioning. Prior to joining the Mountain Hawks, Brown spent a season as an assistant at Eastern Michigan. There, she oversaw the team's academic progress and compliance as well as strength and conditioning.
Brown is originally from West Palm Beach, Fla. and was raised in Denver, Colo. A 1990 graduate of the University of Michigan, she was an all-Big Ten selection and still ranks in the school's top 20 in scoring average, steals and assists.
She earned her bachelor's degreein kinesiology as well as her master's in exercise physiology in 1992. She is currently working toward completion of her doctoral degree.
"Tempie brings an amazing dynamic to the game," said Combs. "Not only does she know the Big Ten, but she knows what it takes to be a big-time player. Like Jim, she has much experience recruiting in the Chicago area as well as much success in Michigan, Colorado and Florida. Her offensive-mindedness will balance out the staff."
