Men's Basketball Coaches

Head Coach Rob Harmon

Rob Harmon enters his sixth year as head coach of the Tri-State Thunder after serving as the assistant coach for eight years. Before coming to Tri-State he coached in the basketball programs of Angola and Fremont high schools. Prior to those coaching assignments, Coach Harmon served on the staff of Rick Majerus at the University of Utah as a graduate assistant coach for the men's basketball team that reached the N.I.T. final four. Coach Harmon received his bachelor's degree in secondary education in 1991 from Ball State University, where he played basketball for 3 years and was a member of the football team for 1 year. He was recognized as a John R. Emens Scholar - a scholarship given for leadership and involvement within the community and school. Coach Harmon received his master's degree in secondary education from Indiana University in 1999.

Harmon also serves as the Assistant Athletic Director at Tri-State University. Harmon and his wife, Melanie, reside in Angola, Indiana with their eight-year old daughter Taylor and five-year-old son, Quinn.

Assistant Coach Donnie Danklefsen

Donnie Danklefsen is beginning his fifth season as an assistant coach with the men's basketball program. Coach Danklefsen graduated from Tri-State University in 2003 with a degree in Sport Management. While at Tri-State, Danklefsen was a member of the men's basketball team. He was named team captain in the 2002-2003 season and was an emotional leader for the Thunder.   

After graduation Danklefsen completed an internship with a semi-professional basketball league in Los Angeles, California. His responsibilities included organizing stations and assisting with scouting. Danklefsen is also the head softball coach at Tri-State.

Assistant Coach Doug Jackson

Doug Jackson is in his fourth season as an assistant coach with the men's basketball program. Doug has coached locally for 23 years at a variety of levels and sports.  He has worked with Coach Harmon for the last 14 years at the Hoosier Basketball Camp each summer.  Coach Jackson received his bachelor's degree from Purdue and his master's from Indiana.  He and his wife, Beth, both teach in Angola.  They have two sons, Clint and Boyd, both students at Indiana University.

Assistant Coach Ed Bentley

Ed Bentley is beginning his third season as an assistant coach with the TSU men’s basketball program. Coach Bentley serves as the head junior varsity coach for the Thunder.

Coach Bentley served in the United States Army and the United States Marine Corps for 11 years. Between assignments, Coach Bentley played two years of basketball at Bridgewater College in Virginia.  While in the military, Coach Bentley was a member of the All-Army and All-Marine Corps basketball teams. In addition, Coach Bentley has volunteered to coach for Special Olympics and numerous intramural leagues where he mentored children, instilled self confidence, and shared his passion for basketball.

As a disabled veteran, Coach Bentley received his bachelor's degree in secondary/special education from the University of Saint Francis. He is currently working on his master's degree in sports administration at Ball State University. Coach Bentley and his wife, Donna, reside in Hudson, Ind., with their nine-year old son, Cole.