Red Wolves - IU East

Coach Mark Hester is in his third year at the helm of the Indiana University East Red Wolves Athletic Program.

In addition to being the Athletic Director, Coach Hester is also the Men's Basketball Coach and Graf Center Coordinator at IU East. Coach Hester is excited about all of the possibilities for the Red Wolves Athletic Programs.

Originally from Glasgow, KY and a 1992 graduate of Barren County High School, he went on to graduate from Western Kentucky University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. In 2003, Coach Hester received his Masters of Arts in Education from Bethel College. He is currently pursuing a second Masters degree in Sports Management from the United States Sports Academy.

Hester came to IU East from Bethel College, where he spent 6 years with the Men's Basketball Team, serving as the assistant coach, head Junior Varsity Coach, Intramural Director and instructor. During the 2002 season, Bethel made it to the NAIA Division II National Tournament where they made the "Sweet 16." Bethel had winning seasons from 2001-2006.

His other basketball experience includes serving on the Western Kentucky University Hilltopper Basketball Team for two seasons, with WKU winning two Sun Belt Conference Championships and earning berths to the NCAA Tournament in 1994 and 1995. He also served as an assistant boy's basketball coach for Warren East High School under legendary Coach Tommy Compton. Hester has also worked as a financial representative for National City Corporation in Lexington, KY, where he resided until 2000.

A partnership formed in Tennessee will pay dividends for the Indiana University East men's basketball program.

Dominic Tharpe joined the Red Wolves program as assistant basketball coach for the 2009-10 season.

Tharpe coached under IU East Head Coach Mark Hester for the junior varsity at Bethel College in McKenzie, Tenn., during the 2005-06 season.

Tharpe came to IU East after one season as women's basketball head coach at Mid-Continent University in Mayfield, Ky.

Tharpe previously served as an assistant at Mid-Continent University and at Motlow State Community College in Lynchburg, Tenn.

Tharpe was a standout player at Henry County High School in Paris, Tenn. He played college basketball at Motlow State and at Park University in Parkville, Mo.

He received a bachelor of science in education from Bethel College in 2005.