By Ray Hamill — College of the Redwoods men’s basketball interim head coach Darren Turpin officially takes over the reins on Friday, as the Corsairs get set for their conference opener on Saturday.

Turpin, who also serves as an assistant coach with the women’s team, was named interim head coach of the men’s program last week after Aaron Hungerford was let go for violation of department policies.

Turpin has been out of town since then, but arrives back in Eureka on Friday to oversee his first practice with the men’s team.

In the meantime, CR women’s head coach Jain Tuey has been overseeing the daily practices in his absence.

“From what I’m hearing from coach Jain, the players are holding their heads up high and working hard,” Turpin said. 

The interim head coach added the situation with Hungerford, who was arrested for a DUI on Christmas eve, was unfortunate, but that he is looking forward to the opportunity to work with the players.

“I just want the guys to give maximum energy and effort, and that’s No. 1 on the list,” he said.

The men’s team has struggled on the court this season, and is still looking for a first win with a record of 0-15.

This weekend the Corsairs open the Golden Valley Conference at home to Shasta, as part of a doubleheader with the women’s team.

“We’re 0-0 in conference, It’s a new season basically,” Turpin said. “And Shasta is a team I think we can hang with.”

Shasta is 2-13 on the season.

Turpin will continue to assist with the women’s team through the end of the season, while Tuey will continue to assist him with the men’s team.

The CR women, meanwhile, are 4-8 and will also play Shasta in their conference opener on Saturday.

Shasta is 7-8.

Saturday’s women’s game gets under way at 2 p.m., followed by the men at 4 p.m.