One of the most successful coaches in Tompkins Cortland Community College basketball history is leaving the program to become a head coach on the NCAA level. Tom Wilk is stepping down after four seasons at TC3 and moving on to Keuka College. He leaves TC3 with the best winning percentage of any head coach in the program history, having led the Panthers to two Mid-State Athletic Conference championships and back-to-back Region 3 Final Four appearances. Tariq Macklin, a former player at TC3 who served as an assistant coach in 2024-25, has been named the Interim Head Coach for the Panthers.
"In addition to the success on the floor, winning consecutive MSAC titles, and getting the Panthers to four consecutive Region 3 tournaments, Coach Wilk's efforts behind the scenes are more impressive," said TC3 Director of Athletics Mick McDaniel. "Through very intentional recruiting, coaching, and mentoring, he has developed so many young men into outstanding student-athletes who performed better on and off the court than even they thought possible. He came back here, his alma mater, and put TC3 back on the map as a championship-caliber program. We're very proud of what he has accomplished in his time here and wish him continued success at Keuka College."
Taking over as Interim Head Coach is Macklin, a 2009 graduate of TC3 and former player for the Panthers. In addition to serving as an assistant to Wilk last season, Macklin has 15 year of experience coaching at a variety of levels, including being an AAU Coach of the Year recipient in 2024. "Being named head coach at TC3 is a dream come true," said Macklin. "As a former player and graduate, I am committed to continue the success. Coach Wilk is an amazing coach and leader, and he taught me so much to help me take the next step as head coach. I know I have big shoes to fill, but expect a smooth transition."
"Coach Macklin has contagious passion and energy for the game of basketball and cares so much about our players," said McDaniel. "With his connection to so many of our returning players and 2025 recruits, Coach Macklin will no doubt keep the momentum of TC3's program going for the upcoming year."