BELLINGHAM, Wash. - The Bellingham Slam’s general manager, Bob Hofstetter, is resigning from his role with the organization in order to accept a position on the coaching staff of Western Washington University’s men’s basketball team.
Hofstetter has served as the Slam’s only general manager since the team was started in 2005 as a member of the American Basketball Association. In 2008, he helped the Slam switch leagues and affiliate with the International Basketball League, of which the team continues to be a member.
Hofstetter is joining the WWU men’s basketball staff as an assistant coach, under the direction of new head coach Tony Dominguez, who took over for longtime coach Brad Jackson this summer. The Vikings tip off their 2012-13 season with an exhibition game against the University of Washington on October 24 in Seattle.
For the Slam, Hofstetter was largely responsible for managing the player roster each season, and helped craft lineups that won two IBL championships, in 2008 and 2012. The Slam never posted a season with a losing record during Hofstetter’s tenure as general manager.
Hofstetter also acted as the team’s coach for a game in 2010, guiding the Slam to a 124-103 season-opening win over the Tacoma Tide, when head coach Rob Ridnour was out of town visiting his son Luke.
Kip Leonetti, who has been the team’s vice president of operations since 2005, will serve as the Slam’s new general manager going forward. The team is currently making preparations for their eighth season in 2013, which will start next April.