Vining reaches 400
Adam Holland
Issue date: 2/25/05 Section: Campus News
"Each win is special, but some really stand out such as the 1992 game at Texas-San Antonio for the trip to the SLC championship game," said longtime ULM basketball trainer Robert Williamson. "We were second-seed and not given much of a chance."
Williamson has been on the Indian bench since 1977.
"UTSA's players had actually rented limos and wore tuxedos to the game to celebrate their victory," Williamson said. "Needless to say, we
celebrated a 81-77 victory on our way home."
Vining's first win at ULM is a narrow 86-85 victory over Southeastern Louisiana in the 1981-82 season. From there, he racked them up, winning No. 100, 78-72 over Southern Arkansas in the 1986-87 season. He won No. 200, 96-81 over North Texas and No. 300, 78-72 over McNeese State in the 1997-98 season.
He established the new school record for wins, 327, with a 73-59 victory over Nicholls State in the 1999-2000 season.
Williamson said the coaching technique he most admires in Vining is the way he talks to the players.
"My dad never raised his voice and neither does Coach Vining," Williamson said. "When he does raise his voice, it means you better pay attention because he is really upset."
Former Dean of Students "Cactus" Jack Collins has also been along for and enjoyed the ride during the Vining years.
"A lot of people have noted in recent weeks that Vining's success comes from his consistency," Collins said. "But I say it comes from his diversity. That means he knows how his players feel and who can produce - he knows how to work with his players."
Vining attributes much of his success to his rearing in rural West Carroll
Parish and the ideals and work ethic he learned in his family of eight.
"Everything comes from the way I was raised and my family," Vining said. "There were eight of us. What I have tried to do from the very beginning is make it a family atmosphere."
Vining said he carries the family atmosphere beyond coaching his players and into dealing with his coaches, the Booster Club, the fans and the faculty.
Williamson has been on the Indian bench since 1977.
"UTSA's players had actually rented limos and wore tuxedos to the game to celebrate their victory," Williamson said. "Needless to say, we
celebrated a 81-77 victory on our way home."
Vining's first win at ULM is a narrow 86-85 victory over Southeastern Louisiana in the 1981-82 season. From there, he racked them up, winning No. 100, 78-72 over Southern Arkansas in the 1986-87 season. He won No. 200, 96-81 over North Texas and No. 300, 78-72 over McNeese State in the 1997-98 season.
He established the new school record for wins, 327, with a 73-59 victory over Nicholls State in the 1999-2000 season.
Williamson said the coaching technique he most admires in Vining is the way he talks to the players.
"My dad never raised his voice and neither does Coach Vining," Williamson said. "When he does raise his voice, it means you better pay attention because he is really upset."
Former Dean of Students "Cactus" Jack Collins has also been along for and enjoyed the ride during the Vining years.
"A lot of people have noted in recent weeks that Vining's success comes from his consistency," Collins said. "But I say it comes from his diversity. That means he knows how his players feel and who can produce - he knows how to work with his players."
Vining attributes much of his success to his rearing in rural West Carroll
Parish and the ideals and work ethic he learned in his family of eight.
"Everything comes from the way I was raised and my family," Vining said. "There were eight of us. What I have tried to do from the very beginning is make it a family atmosphere."
Vining said he carries the family atmosphere beyond coaching his players and into dealing with his coaches, the Booster Club, the fans and the faculty.