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Notables

News and notes from around D-III

From May 2002

Men's assistant steps up to lead St. Mary's women
WINONA, Minn. — After spending the last two seasons as an assistant coach, Dan Messmann is eager for the chance to run his own team.

Saint Mary's is giving him that chance.

Messmann, assistant coach for the SMU men's basketball team, has been named the Cardinals' head women's basketball coach on an interim basis, it was announced May 28. He takes over a team that finished 13-13 last season. It was more than two months after outgoing head coach Kim Fierke originally stepped down. SMU athletic director Chris Kendall said at the time that a national search would begin to replace Fierke.

"We are very excited about what Dan has to offer our women's basketball program," said Kendall. "Dan has done a great job as an assistant coach in our men's program. We're looking for that same type of energy and commitment as our head women's coach."

Messmann has been involved in coaching basketball in the Winona area for the past 11 years, including two stints as an SMU men's basketball assistant (from 1992-94 and again from 2000-2002), while also serving as an assistant coach at Winona State (1991-92, 1996-97) and at Winona Cotter HS (1998-99).

Messmann, who holds both a bachelor's and a master's degree in physical education, will also continue as Saint Mary's head women's golf coach, as well as an instructor in SMU's physical education department.

Tufts hires Berube as women's head coach
MEDFORD, Mass. – Carla Berube, an assistant coach at Providence the last two years, has been hired as head coach of the Tufts women’s basketball team. The announcement was made today by Tufts Athletic Director Bill Gehling.

Berube was selected from a pool of nearly 100 applicants to replace Janice Savitz, who retired this spring after eight years at Tufts. A 1997 graduate of the University of Connecticut, Berube played on the Huskies’ 1995 undefeated national championship team. She was drafted out of UConn to play with the New England Blizzard of the American Basketball League in 1997. After gaining Division I coaching experience at Providence, she is now the seventh coach in the 30-year history of the Tufts team.

“I’m very excited,” she said. “I was looking for Division III jobs in New England. I’m from here and I wanted to stay. Tufts is the perfect situation. I love Boston, and NESCAC is one of the best leagues in the country. I want to coach student-athletes and players who have the love and passion for the game like I do.”
To the Tufts committee that selected her, Berube is a rising star. As a player at UConn she was part of a team that compiled a 132-8 record during her four seasons. A captain of the 1996-97 team that finished 33-1 and went to the Final Four, Berube played in 138 career games with the Huskies and ranks 14th on their all-time scoring list with 1,381 points. She graduated with a degree in sociology.

The Blizzard then selected Berube with the 21st pick in the 1997 ABL draft. She played for the team from June 1997 until December 1998, and along the way coordinated several youth clinics sponsored by the organization. She was hired as an assistant coach at Providence in August 2000 and was soon handling major assignments such as game plans and scouting reports against competitive Division I opponents.

“Most of who I am as a coach came from what I learned at UConn under Coach (Geno) Auriemma and Coach (Chris) Dailey,” she said. “We were taught to be proud of ourselves. Each player had a role in our system. The person who played 40 minutes a game was no different than the person who played one minute. I learned a lot of the behind-the-scenes aspects of coaching at Providence, but my style comes from UConn.”

Berube, 26, will now oversee the Jumbos, members of the New England Small College Athletic Conference. Tufts is coming off a disappointing 9-14 season, but a core of talent returns and will give Berube a foundation to begin with. Success in the classroom has long been a team tradition. This past winter, co-captains Jayme Busnengo and Hillary Dunn were two of five Tufts women named to the Academic All-NESCAC team. Berube will look to rebuild a program that has been absent from postseason play since 1995.

“Carla was a tremendous competitor as a player who played at the highest level in college and professionally,” Gehling said. “In addition, she is a talented young coach with a contagious passion for the game. We are extremely excited to have her joining our staff and leading our women's basketball team.”

Loyola assistant takes over at Eastern Conn.
WILLIMANTIC, Conn. — Bill Geitner, a college assistant coach the past 14 years, has been selected the tenth head coach in the 62-year history of the Eastern Connecticut State University men’s basketball program.

He replaces Barry Davis, whose contract was not renewed. Geitner, 36, began his duties June 1. Davis compiled an eight-year record of 88-118 and was 13-13 last winter when the Warriors were eliminated in the opening round of the Little East Conference tournament.

Geitner, accepting his first head coaching assignment, has been an assistant at five different institutions, most recently at Division I Loyola (Md.), where he served the past two seasons as one of three assistant coaches under headcoach Scott Hicks. Geitner and the two other assistant coaches followed Hicks to Loyola from then-Division II Albany.

While Geitner has coached at all three college levels, he spent nine years as an assistant coach at three Division III institutions after lettering four seasons at Hamilton from 1983 through 1987.

“At heart, I’m a Division III person,” noted Geitner, whose Division III coaching experience includes six years (1991-97) at the University of Rochester, two (1989-91) at Hamilton and one (1988-89) at Hobart. “I played at the Division III level and enjoyed the atmosphere. I can relate to student-athletes at that level, because I’ve gone through what they’re being asked to go through.”

At Rochester, Geitner assisted Mike Neer, helping the Yellow Jackets to three postseason tournament appearances. In his first year, the team won 28 of 31 games and reached the national championship game. As an assistant to Tom Murphy at Hamilton, Geitner helped the Continentals to the No. 1 ranking in the nation in his second year (1990-91). That team was 26-0 in the regular season and reached the ECAC Upstate New York Tournament championship, finishing 27-1.

“As an assistant coach, Bill was outstanding,” praised Murphy of his former assistant coach and former four-year starter at point guard. “He worked hard every day. He has paid his dues as an assistant coach. As a player, he was a coach on the floor — completely unselfish — and would do whatever it took to make sure we would be successful.” Geitner is ranked second all-time in the program in assists.

Geitner had assisted Hicks for three seasons at Albany as the Great Danes were making a transition from the Division II level. As a member of the Metro Athletic Athletic Conference, Loyola compiled an overall record of 11-46 the past two years.

Although he was content at Loyola, Geitner nonetheless accepted the challenge of directing a program for the first time.

“As a coach, I think the resources and commitment from the administration are there to put me in a position to be successful,” commented Geitner. “When I first came on campus, I was very impressed with the facilities. I felt that the people on campus were committed to the same things that I’m committed to.”

Seven of last year’s 11 basketball letterwinners have graduated, including all-time leading scorer and all-New England guard Rich Vega, leaving Geitner with a number of holes to fill prior to the team’s Nov. 22 opener against Fitchburg State at Geissler Gymnasium.

While he has spent the last two years in Maryland, Geitner is comfortable with the territory that will produce many of his prospective recruits.

“I have spent the majority of my career recruiting in the northeast,” points out Geitner. “Connecticut is a very familiar area to me. There is good high school basketball played in the state. With what we’re hoping to do from a basketball standpoint, I think we’ll be able to attract quality student-athletes.”

Eastern has had one losing season in the past four years, qualifying for
NCAA play most recently in 1999-00 when it won the Little East Conference
tournament and concluded with an overall record of 17-11.

Geitner holds a B.A. Degree in Government from Hamilton and earned his M.S. in Administration from Rochester in 1997. Geitner and wife Shery (Harrod) have two children, Annika Christine, 2, and infant son Brian Emil.

Massachusetts College hires women's coach
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts has hired Tezlyn Kraft as the women's head coach. "Tez will be a great addition to our staff," said athletic director Scott Nichols. "She brings a wealth of playing experience at a very high level and will provide some stability to our program."

Kraft holds a B.S. in sports management and advertising from Massachusetts. While a student athlete, Kraft was a two-time Atlantic-10 Conference honoree, once being named Most Valuable Player, and recorded over 1,000 points and 500 rebounds for her career.

She comes to MCLA from Logan, Ohio, where she has held a variety of coaching positions, including assistant girls' basketball coach at Fairfield Union High and Logan High. She also served as head coach of girls' volleyball and track at Logan High.

She takes over a team that went 1-24 this past season under Andrew Barrett, in his only season as head coach.

Case Western women get Division I transfer
CLEVELAND — The Case Western women's program has landed its third Division I transfer in as many years as Rachel Spadafore (Meadville, Pa.), a former standout at Regina High School, has decided to transfer to CWRU from Niagara. She attended Niagara this past season on a basketball scholarship majoring in biology/pre-med, but decided not to play for the Purple Eagles, allowing her four years of eligibility.

"It just wasn't the right place for me," said Spadafore. "Not just basketball-wise, but academically as well. CWRU is a great school. I love the campus and atmosphere and look forward to playing for Coach (Kristin) Hughes."

Spadafore, a member of two Regina HS state championship teams (2000 & 2001), averaged 9.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assist per game her senior year in high school. The 6-2 post player also shot 53% from the field and 71% from the line. She was a Greater Cleveland All-Star and honorable mention All-District selection.

"Rachel is a wonderful addition to our program," said Hughes. "She combines her high level of talent with an outstanding attitude. That will make her a success here."

The women's basketball team made its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 2002, winning an at-large bid and setting a school record for wins. The team finished the regular season with a record of 20-7 overall, second in the University Athletic Association, and made it to the tournament's second round.

A year ago, Spartan sophomore guard Keesha Allen transferred in from Cincinnati, where she was under scholarship. Two years ago forward JeNine Nickerson, who graduated last month, transferred to CWRU from Cleveland State where she was also on a basketball scholarship.

Miller hired as Lynchburg's men's coach
LYNCHBURG, Va. — The Lynchburg athletic department announced May 21 that Andrew Miller has been hired as the school's head men's basketball coach. Miller was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Hiram the last two seasons.

He replaces Ron Carr, who went 6-44 for the Old Dominion Athletic Conference school the past two seasons. Hiram went 9-16 last year, a two-game improvement over 2000-01.

"Drew has a lot of enthusiasm and experience, and we feel that he is the guy to turn this program around," said Dr. Jack Toms, LC director of athletics. "He is an exceptionally strong recruiter, and I doubt any other basketball coach will be able to outwork him."

During his tenure at Hiram, Miller also was the assistant women's soccer coach and an exercise & sport science instructor. He has made his mark on the international basketball scene as the head men's and women's basketball coach at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. Miller left Denmark to become the assistant coach/assistant general manager of the Cape Town Kings (South Africa) of the Premier Basketball League. He currently serves as the coaching director of the Hoops 4 Hope Foundation, Inc. in Southern Africa — a non-profit organization that utilizes basketball to create positive change for youth. Miller began his coaching career at Upper Arlington (Ohio) High School for three seasons.

Miller earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from Kenyon in 1995 where he was a four-year letterman in basketball and baseball. He helped the Lords to a 24-4 record and a conference championship his junior season on the hardwood, and a 23-6 record and a sweet 16 appearance in his senior campaign. Miller is scheduled to earn his master's of education degree in sport science/coaching from Akron this August.

"I am thrilled about the opportunity to develop the men's basketball program at Lynchburg College," Miller said. "It is an honor to mentor outstanding student-athletes at such a fine institution. With passion and commitment, we will lead a team to match the excellence established by all other Lynchburg teams. Our goals are to create immediate excitement on our beautiful campus, become an annual contender in the ODAC, and make LC and the Lynchburg community proud of their men's basketball program."

Kahn takes over at Pitt-Greensburg
GREENSBURG, Pa.— Pitt-Greensburg announces the hiring of Marcus Kahn as head men's basketball coach. Kahn will be the third head coach in the seven-year history of men's basketball at the school. He replaces Karl Radday, who took as job as an assistant at Division I Loyola (Md.).

Kahn comes from Division II Shepherd where he served one season as the top assistant for men's basketball. Kahn previously spent two seasons as an assistant at Wesley and one at Albright, from which he followed head coach Ken Tyler to Shepherd, which went 10-17 last year after going 11-15 the year before.

Kahn broke into coaching at Grand View, a NAIA Division II school in Des Moines, Iowa, spending one season as assistant men's basketball coach before moving on to Wesley.

Kahn was a member of the basketball and water polo teams while at Redlands, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Kahn also holds a masters degree in education from Wesley.

According to Pitt-Greensburg Athletic Director Dan Swalga, Kahn displayed characteristics that separated himself from the over 150 applications.

"Marcus is the type of person we are looking for at Pitt-Greensburg. He has a clear understanding of NCAA Division III basketball, as well as a vision and commitment to achieve success."

Kahn feels that Pitt-Greensburg is the right fit for him to begin his career as a head coach as well.

"Pitt-Greensburg is part of a great educational system, and is located on an extremely beautiful campus. Combine that with a developing basketball program, and it was an easy choice to come here," Kahn said.

Radday, who went 2-22, and 8-18 in two seasons as head coach, left a team that had only one senior, and was anchored by a strong freshman class led by Ryan Moye, named AMCC Newcomer of the Year. "Coach Radday left the program headed in the right direction, and it is my job to see that it continues," Kahn said.

Pitt-Greensburg is finishing its fourth year as a provisional D-III member, and hopes to become a full member by the Fall of 2002. Kahn will be a full-time employee within the athletic department at Pitt-Greensburg.

Hardin-Simmons hires former player
to replace Goodenough as head coach
ABILENE, Texas — After a record-setting career as a player at Hardin-Simmons, Shanna Briggs has been named women's basketball coach at her alma mater.

"We are excited to bring back one of our own to lead the women's basketball program," said HSU Athletics Director John Neese. "Shanna was a great player for us and she also was a great student and leader. She comes highly recommended and came to the top of the list from a great field of candidates."

Briggs, who played at HSU from 1992-95, served as the head girls' basketball coach and Girls Athletic Coordinator at Decatur High School this past year. She was named Wise County Coach of the Year, District 6 -3A Coach of the Year and led Decatur to the Regional Tournament.

Briggs began her coaching career as an assistant varsity basketball, junior varsity head basketball, assistant track and freshman volleyball coach at Abilene High School. She was with the Eagles from 1996 to 2000.

At Hardin-Simmons, Briggs was a three-time all-conference selection, including first-team honors in 1994 and 1995. She was an honorable mention All-American in 1995 and was three times an Academic All-Conference selection. Her teams won three conference titles at Hardin-Simmons and she played in two NAIA National Tournaments (1994 and 1995).

Briggs scored 1,365 points to rank fifth on the career scoring list at Hardin-Simmons and is the school's all-time leader in points scored in a season (576) and 3-pointers made in a game (8), season (71) and career(146). She is second in 3-point percentage making 105-of-242 (.434) shots. She also ranks fifth in career assists (229), fourth in blocked shots (38) and eighth in rebounds (364) in HSU Cowgirl history.

She played her final two seasons under Julie Goodenough. Briggs earned a bachelor's degree in All-Level Physical Education and Secondary English at HSU. Briggs graduated from Wylie High School in 1991 and led the Lady Bulldogs to the Class 3A state basketball championship as a junior. She was a first-team all-state selection.

Briggs replaces Goodenough, who was named head coach at Oklahoma State in April and had an 188-54 record in nine seasons. The Cowgirls will return four starters next year from a team that went 26-2 and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.

New Paltz State hires Cortland assistant
NEW PALTZ, N.Y. — Douglas Pasquerella, former assistant men’s basketball coach at Cortland State, moves on to take the head men’s basketball Coaching position at New Paltz State. Working under one of the more successful coaches in the SUNYAC, Pasquerella has had the opportunity to learn and grow from a championship caliber program.

“I’m real excited about the opportunity,” remarked Pasquerella, ”I believe that New Paltz provides a great environment for their student-athletes.” Looking forward to his new opportunity, Coach Pasquerella believes that New Paltz will be able to achieve a high level of success within SUNYAC. “I hope to provide consistency and raise the level of the program. With the regional talent surrounding New Paltz, I believe that we will be able to provide that,” said Pasquerella.

“I believe that Doug’s experience at Cortland and Five Star Camps, work ethic and knowledge of the game, will restore luster to our men’s basketball program. The high praise that I heard about Doug before finalizing this decision left no doubt that he will be successful here. His energy and commitment to the game were impressive,” remarked athletic director Stuart Robinson.

Pasquerella looks to make his mark first by focusing on conference play. “I want to be able to compete at a high level year in and year out. It is very important in a conference like SUNYAC,” said Pasquerella. After taking aim on the conference, Pasquerella looks to provide an opportunity for national attention.

Schultz named to lead Carroll men
WAUKESHA, Wis.—David Schultz has been named head men’s coach at Carroll, the college announced May 7.

Schultz spent the last nine seasons as head coach of the Waukesha West boys' basketball team. In nine seasons, he accumulated an overall record of 153 wins and 55 losses. In that time, his teams played in six sectional finals and five conference championships. Four times, his team finished in the Top 10 in the final state rankings, with their highest ranking in 1998 when they finished No. 2 in the state. His teams won 20 or more games in four of the nine seasons.

“We had candidates from across the country, but found the best one in our own back yard,” said Dean Rein, Carroll’s vice president for external relations and chair of the search committee. “The search committee did an excellent job and quickly came to the conclusion that David Schultz is the best person to lead our men’s basketball program.”

Schultz, a graduate of UW-Oshkosh, was named Waukesha County Coach of the Year three times, and once earned Wisconsin Coach of the Year honors.

“The position of head men’s basketball coach at Carroll College has always intrigued me,” said Schultz. “I feel this is the right time for me to make the jump from high school to college coaching. I’m thrilled to be part of the Carroll College coaching staff.”

Schultz replaces Sean McDonough, whose contract was not renewed after the Pioneers went 2-21, including a 17-game losing streatk to open the season.

NCAA changes rule on fouls away from the ball
INDIANAPOLIS — For the 2002-03 season, an offensive foul away from the ball will no longer result in free throws, similar to a player control foul. The rule change was made at the NCAA rules committees' annual meeting and will apply to both men's and women's basketball.

"We discussed at length many items that were submitted to us, but for the most part we didn't change things much because we thought the rules were in good shape," Art Hyland, chairman of the men's committee and coordinator of officiating for the Big East Conference, told the Associated Press.

Now, when a foul is committed by a player on offense, instead of shooting free throws, play will be restarted with the other team getting possession.

Arcadia hires Ridge to lead women's team
GLENSIDE, Pa. — Valerie Ridge, a standout collegiate player, former head women's coach at Bucks County (Pa.) Community College and an assistant coach for the boys' basketball team at Bensalem High School, has been named the new head women's coach at Arcadia by athletic director Shirley Liddle.

"Valerie brings a playing and coaching background that is exceptional," says Liddle. "She played in the Final Four and that gives her an outstanding perspective for coaching. Her level of maturity and work ethic will serve her well."

She replaces Orick Smith who resigned after compiling a 22-51 record in three seasons at Arcadia.

Ridge was a three-time captain at Philadelphia University, playing from 1984-88, including an appearance in the NCAA Division II Final Four. Ridge served as head women's coach at BCCC in 1995-96 after serving as an assistant coach there when the team won the 1995 state championship. She has served as an assistant boys' coach at Bensalem since 1998.

Ridge is also a highly decorated Bensalem police officer, serving as a liaison between the school district and the police department. She won the National School Resource Officer of the Year Award and the Pennsylvania Governor Recognition in 2001, Rotary Police Officer of the Year Award in 2000 and the Kiwanis Service to Education Award in 1999. She is a 1984 graduate of Bensalem High School and was inducted to their basketball hall of fame in 1990.

Ramage goes from Conn. College to Greensboro
Lynn Ramage has been named head men's coach at Greensboro, announced athletics director Kim Strable.

Ramage arrives at GC after serving as head coach at Connecticut College. During his three years at CC, Ramage's teams complied a 53-21 record. This past season, he led CC to a 16-9 record. Subsequently, Ramage was named New England Small College Athletic Conference Coach of the Year.

A native of Lynchburg, Va., Ramage looks forward to returning to the South and building the Greensboro program.

"Coach Ramage is a high-energy guy who coaches with passion," said Strable. "He has family and friends in this area, and is genuinely excited about this opportunity.

"We wanted a coach who could take something solid and make it better. We've got a great core of players who we think will really benefit from his style of coaching," Strable added.

Prior to leading Connecticut College, Ramage was the head coach at East Stroudsburg State. He coached ESSU for three seasons and led the Warriors to a 15-11 record in 1997-98. That year, Ramage was named Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Coach of the Year.

Ramage was also head coach at Kutztown and Chesapeake College. He was the interim head coach at Division I Morgan State. He also was an assistant at MSU for four seasons and held assistant positions at Davis and Elkins (1987-89) and at his alma mater: West Liberty State (1984-87).

A conference triple jump champion for West Liberty State in 1984, Ramage was also an honorable mention basketball All-American at Frederick Community College.

Arcadia hires Doyle as men's coach
Mike Doyle, administrative assistant at Saint Joseph's, was named the new head men's coach at Arcadia by athletic director Shirley Liddle.

"The experience that Mike Doyle brings to Arcadia is exceptional, something not often found at Division III," says Liddle. "He is an outstanding addition to our program with an outstanding work ethic and a great deal of playing experience that will serve him well."

Doyle replaces Kevin McGeehan, who resigned after compiling a 10-39 record in two seasons at Arcadia.

Doyle was an assistant coach for St. Joe's from 1989-90 to 1992-93, during which the Hawks went to the NIT. He returned as administrative assistant in 1997.

In between his time at Saint Joseph's, Doyle was the head coach at St. John Neumann (1993-94) and Collingswood (1994-1997). He built both programs into solid contenders. In his first year at Neumann, he led the team to a playoff berth and laid the foundation for the Pirates to become one of the dominant powers in the Catholic League. At Collingswood, he took over a program that had won 29 games in six years and compiled a record of 67-30. During his tenure the team posted its best record in 25 years.

"The direction that Arcadia has moved as a university is the direction in which we want to take the basketball program," says Doyle. "Challenges lie ahead but the pieces are in place to take the program into positive territory and I'm looking forward to it with great excitement."

Doyle, a 1988 graduate of Philadelphia University, earned honorable mention Division II All-American honors his senior year, ranking third in the nation in 3-point field-goal percentage that year. A two-time captain with the Rams, Doyle scored 1,372 points in his collegiate career.

Doyle, who currently teaches U.S. history at Collingswood, was also an all-Catholic player at Cardinal O'Hara in Springfield. He lives in Media with his wife, Kelly, and their children, Katie (6), Michael (5) and Annalee (10 months).

Schauer goes from Eastern to Gordon
WENHAM, Mass. — Michael Schauer, formerly head coach at Eastern, has been named head men's basketball coach at Gordon. Former head coach Troy Justice has accepted a job with Athletes in Action as the director of basketball operations.

A 1993 graduate of Wheaton (Ill.) in communications after scoring 1,022 career points, Schauer broke into coaching as an assistant for his alma mater from 1993-2000. During that time, he added a master's in communications from Wheaton while assisting on seven consecutive winning seasons that included three NCAA Tournament bids.

Schauer, 31, took Eastern from 4-20 the year before he arrived to 7-18 his first season and 10-16 in his second season. Those were Eastern's best marks since moving to Division III competition in 1992. Schauer takes over a Fighting Scots team that finished 16-11 and earned a bid to the ECAC Tournament. Mike and his wife, Elissa, have a son, Jacob.

Regarding his new position, Schauer stated, "I'm extremely excited to take over the Gordon College basketball program. Gordon combines a sincere Christian environment, academic excellence and athletic success at a level few schools do. It is one of the elite Christian Colleges in the country."

Athletic Director Joe Hakes offered this assessment of Schauer: "When we started this process a few months ago, the name that kept coming to me from various sources was Mike Schauer. He has an excellent reputation in the coaching community as a solid coach and strong Christian mentor. We are looking forward to Mike continuing the upward trend in the men's basketball program at Gordon College."

Frohman steps down from Dickinson post
CARLISLE, Pa. — After 13 years as the head men's basketball coach at Dickinson, Dave Frohman will step down at the end of the academic year. In 2002-03, he will be on a partial sabbatical leave and will work part-time in the Office of Admissions while exploring other opportunities. He leaves the post with a career record of 162-167.

Frohman said, "It has been a great 13 years coaching the Red Devils. I will always cherish my association with the young men who have been in our program. Now is the right time to pursue other interests which will be mutually beneficial."

Dr. Les Poolman, director of athletics, expressed his sincere appreciation to Frohman for his years of service within the department and for his dedication to the student-athletes in the basketball program.

In 1997 Frohman's squad won the Centennial Conference championship, earning a berth in the NCAA Tournament. His teams also competed in one other NCAA tournament and two ECAC Southern Region tournaments, winning the championship in 1992. Frohman's team members have achieved a 100% graduation rate during his tenure.

Dave Frohman has been a member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches Research Committee and he has served on a variety of committees during his time at Dickinson. He is a 1972 graduate of Indiana.

Odegaard promoted at Concordia-Moorhead
MOORHEAD, Minn. — Troy Odegaard has been named the head women's coach at Concordia-Moorhead, while Bob Kohler has been named assistant coach. Odegaard has served as the assistant coach the past two seasons and will take over for Sara Cepek, who stepped down earlier in the month.

Kohler was Concordia's head women's basketball coach for three seasons from 1992 through 1995, but had to resign from the position because of medical reasons. He has been an assistant football coach throughout his tenure at Concordia and also teaches in the Health and Physical Education department.

Odegaard was the boys' assistant varsity coach at Lincoln (Neb.) Southeast High during the 1999-2000 season before he joined the Cobber staff. Prior to coaching at Southeast High he was an assistant coach for the men's team at Nebraska-Lincoln from 1997-1999. He was part of the coaching staff that led the Cornhuskers to a NCAA tournament appearance in 1998 and the NIT tournament in 1999. Odegaard received his undergraduate degree from Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, S.D. in 1986 and his master's degree from SDSU in Brookings, S.D.

He expressed his optimism and excitement by stating, "I am grateful for the opportunity to continue the tradition of Cobber women's basketball, and look forward to coaching the players on this team."

"I think the community of Concordia College has a wonderful atmosphere to grow as an individual, a coach and mentor and also a terrific place to raise a family."

Concordia athletic director Dr. Armin Pipho explained the decision by saying, "Troy has demonstrated a commitment to the mission of our college, has the knowledge and passion for the game and provides important continuity to the program. I am excited about the new leadership for women's basketball at Concordia."

Kohler began his career at Concordia as the assistant men's basketball coach. He was the assistant from 1986 until 1991, when he took over the women's program. Before coming to Concordia, Kohler had 15 years of experience coaching at both the high school and college level. He is a 1969 graduate of Valley City State and went on to earn his masters from Northern State.

He is excited to get back into coaching college basketball again and said it will help him "fill a void" that was left when he stepped down during the 1995-96 season. Kohler said, "I am very excited to be back in coaching because I enjoy working with the student-athlete. It will give me an opportunity to teach a whole new generation of Cobber women's basketball players."

Kohler went on to add that, "I am happy to be working with Coach Odegaard because I feel that he will be a great coach and tireless recruiter."

Pipho stated that, "Bob Kohler brings that valuable experience of having been coached at the college level, and the ability to motivate and inspire young athletes to do their best. I am happy that Bob is once again involved in the game that he loves so much."

He also commented on the coaching tandem by saying, "Troy and Bob give us a special combination of coaching that will provide leadership and guidance to the basketball student/athletes of Concordia. I look forward to the two of them being involved in the women's basketball program."

Along with his coaching duties, Odegaard will continue to serve as head men's golf coach and teach in the Health and Physical Education department. Kohler will stay actively involved in the Cobber football program, and continue to teach in the Health and Physical Education department.

Husband-and-wife coaches resign at Greensboro
GREENSBORO, N.C. — Eddie Payne, Greensboro men's basketball coach, resigned to accept the head job at the University of South Carolina at Spartanburg.

"I've made a number of these moves in my career and this was by far the toughest decision," said Payne. "With Ann (Payne) having The Pride women's job and our son Luke being halfway through high school, it was tough to leave. We've enjoyed Greensboro College."

Payne led GC to a 21-31 record the past two seasons. The 2001-02 team was 11-15. He leaves a roster with a number of talented young players.

Eddie Payne's departure leaves two vacancies at GC. Ann Payne has been the Pride women's coach for the past year, guiding them to a 7-18 record.

"I knew when I talked Ann out of retirement to coach last year that if we lost one, we'd lose two," said Athletics Director Kim Strable.

Ann and Eddie Payne were one of three sets of husband-wife basketball tandems coaching in Division III, along with Mike and Maggie Lonergan at Catholic and Steve and Melissa Lamie at Grove City.

Eddie coached a combined nine years at East Carolina and Oregon State before coming to Greensboro. Ann coached at both Alabama and UNC-Charlotte in the early 1980s.

KTXS-TV

"Coach Goodenough has an amazing record in a relatively short period of time," OSU athletic director Don Phillips said. "The success she has achieved at the Division III level speaks volumes about her ability."

Goodenough is the all-time winningest coach in Hardin-Simmons history. Oklahoma State finished 16-15 this past season, at the end of which head coach Dick Halterman was fired after 19 seasons and 333 career wins. It's the highest direct jump by a Division III head coach in the six-year history of this Web site.

Davalos replaces Grant at Sul Ross State
Sul Ross State named Doug Davalos to replace Roger Grant as head men's basketball coach. Grant was 94-281 in 15 seasons at the helm. Grant remains the head of Sul Ross' physical education department.

Davalos, 32, has spent the past two years as an assistant at Eastern New Mexico, after spending four years as head boys' basketball coach at Fort Stockton (Texas) High School.

Davalos earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Kinesiology from the University of Houston in 1994. He takes over a program that finished 12-13 in 2001-02.

Passage named head coach at Kalamazoo
Rob Passage has been named head coach of the men’s basketball team at Kalamazoo. He becomes the 12th men’s basketball coach in school history, replacing Joe Haklin, who was fired March 6.

Passage is a familiar name at Kalamazoo. A 1993 graduate, Passage played four years of varsity basketball for the Hornets. He remained with the program as an assistant coach from 1993-99 before moving to a similar position at Chicago in 1999.

“I’m thrilled to be returning to Kalamazoo College,” Passage said. “It offers a top notch education and it is a great place to work. Kalamazoo is home to me.”

“I love to coach the type of students at Kalamazoo. They are willing to work, self-motivated, and great young men. The current senior class was my last recruiting class before moving to Chicago, and I am very excited about the opportunity to coach them.”

Kalamazoo finished 17-10 in 2001-02. The Hornets tied for second place in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association with an 8-4 record.

“The program is in great shape,” Passage added. “The team was on the verge of a league championship last season, and we have lofty goals entering this year’s campaign.”

“Program wise, things will remain the same. Hard work, the team concept, and what I believe in and learned from Hornet basketball will remain a part of Hornet basketball.”

As an assistant at Chicago, Passage helped lead the Maroons to a 63-17 record over three years. He helped guide the Hornets to a 92-64 record in his six years on the bench at Kalamazoo. As a four-year starter from 1989-93 Passage helped the Hornets to a 69-33 record. He was a career 54.0% (284-for-526) shooter with 690 points and 526 rebounds.

Passage holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Kalamazoo ('93). He earned a master’s degree in athletic administration at Western Michigan in 1998.

Cepek resigns from Concordia-Moorhead
MOORHEAD, Minn. — Concordia-Moorhead athletic director Dr. Armin Pipho announced April 8 that second-year head women's basketball coach Sara Cepek has resigned her position effective the end of the academic year. Cepek is stepping down because of personal reasons and the chance to try a new career path.

Cepek compiled a record at Concordia of 30-21 overall and 27-16 in the MIAC. She guided the Cobbers to the first-ever MIAC playoffs in the 2000-01, where the team won an opening round game against Gustavus Adolphus before falling to St. Thomas in the semifinals. The Cobbers finished 11-14, 11-11 MIAC, this season, just missing out on the conference tournament.

Cepek came to Concordia after spending two seasons as an assistant coach at Mankato State. She began her coaching career at South Dakota State where she served as a graduate assistant. After two years at SDSU, she became the top assistant coach at Loyola (Ill.), before leaving for the top assistant job at Mankato.

"I have enjoyed my two years at Concordia," Cepek said, "but I feel personally right now I need to step away and try a new path in life. I am grateful for the opportunity Concordia gave me and I believe that there is a bright future for Cobber basketball."

Cepek told The (Fargo, N.D.) Forum, “at the end of the season I took some time off and evaluated where I was at. Physically and emotionally I was very run down when the season was done."

Dr. Pipho expressed his gratitude by saying, "We will miss Sara's energy, enthusiasm and passion for the game of basketball. She has given a huge commitment to our basketball program the last two years, and the team has continued to compete at a high level under her leadership."

Pipho added, "We plan to have an announcement in the next several days regarding steps toward naming a replacement."

Cosgrove goes from Endicott to top D-II job
GARDEN CITY, N.Y. — James Cosgrove parlayed a 68-39 career record at Endicott into the head coaching job at Adelphi University. He replaces Jim Ferry, who left Adelphi to coach Long Island University.

Adelphi went 26-3 this past season and reached the NCAA Division II Elite Eight. They were ranked No. 4 in Division II in the final coaches' poll.

"I am tremendously excited and this is a great opportunity", Cosgrove said. "Adelphi had great success in its past and I hope to continue that tradition. Adelphi is a great place to work with tremendous people on staff. I am excited to be here."

Cosgrove was the 1998-99 GNAC coach of the year and led Endicott to the 2000 CCC championship.

Notables 2003-pres.

2003 Notables
February 15-28
February 1-14
January 16-31
January 1-15

2002 Notables
December 16-31
December 1-15
November
October-early Nov.
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February 1-7
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2001 Notables
December 16-31
December 1-15
October-November
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Notables 1998-2001

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