New Coaches
Sept 15, 2005 15:30:57 GMT -5
Post by wsu97 on Sept 15, 2005 15:30:57 GMT -5
Former Virginia Assistant Named at WSU
John Fitzpatrick, formerly an assistant coach at the University of Virginia under Pete Gillen, has been named an assistant coach for the Wright State University men’s basketball team, WSU head coach Paul Biancardi announced today.
Fitzpatrick, a 1980 graduate of Bowling Green State University, spent last year with the Cavaliers after four years as the associate head coach at the University of Houston. He was elevated to the associate head coach position after the Cougars reached post-season play in 2002. Prior to Houston, he was an assistant coach at Ball State University where he helped the Cardinals to a 38-20 record overall, winning the Mid-American Conference title and advancing to the NCAA Tournament.
“I’ve known John and respected him for a long time and he will bring us a wealth of experience,” Biancardi said. “John is a proven coach and recruiter we are very fortunate to have him on our staff. He has always made the programs he has worked with better and that’s the sign of a winner.”
Fitzpatrick coached at Wichita State from 1993 until 1996 after serving in a similar capacity at Fordham for five seasons. While at Fordham, he helped lead the Rams to a 1992 NCAA Tournament appearance, two NIT appearances and back-to-back Patriot League regular-season and post-season championships. The Rams compiled an overall record of 92-64 during his tenure.
“I look forward to working with such a dedicated head coach and staff and I look forward to getting to know the players.” Fitzpatrick said. “The entire athletic staff has been very welcoming and I look forward to a great working relationship.”
He started his collegiate coaching career at the United States Naval Academy and helped the Midshipmen compile a 157-82 record from 1980 to 1988. In his first year at the Academy, he also acted as the head junior varsity coach, leading the team to a 12-2 mark. He recruited and coached “National Player of the Year” David Robinson and helped lead the Midshipmen to three NCAA Tournaments, including an Elite Eight appearance in 1986. During his eight years, Navy won three Colonial Athletic Association regular season and post-season titles.
Fitzpatrick, a native of Williamsville, NY, and his wife, Patti, have three children, Jack and twins Jenna (daughter) and Kelly (son).
John Fitzpatrick, formerly an assistant coach at the University of Virginia under Pete Gillen, has been named an assistant coach for the Wright State University men’s basketball team, WSU head coach Paul Biancardi announced today.
Fitzpatrick, a 1980 graduate of Bowling Green State University, spent last year with the Cavaliers after four years as the associate head coach at the University of Houston. He was elevated to the associate head coach position after the Cougars reached post-season play in 2002. Prior to Houston, he was an assistant coach at Ball State University where he helped the Cardinals to a 38-20 record overall, winning the Mid-American Conference title and advancing to the NCAA Tournament.
“I’ve known John and respected him for a long time and he will bring us a wealth of experience,” Biancardi said. “John is a proven coach and recruiter we are very fortunate to have him on our staff. He has always made the programs he has worked with better and that’s the sign of a winner.”
Fitzpatrick coached at Wichita State from 1993 until 1996 after serving in a similar capacity at Fordham for five seasons. While at Fordham, he helped lead the Rams to a 1992 NCAA Tournament appearance, two NIT appearances and back-to-back Patriot League regular-season and post-season championships. The Rams compiled an overall record of 92-64 during his tenure.
“I look forward to working with such a dedicated head coach and staff and I look forward to getting to know the players.” Fitzpatrick said. “The entire athletic staff has been very welcoming and I look forward to a great working relationship.”
He started his collegiate coaching career at the United States Naval Academy and helped the Midshipmen compile a 157-82 record from 1980 to 1988. In his first year at the Academy, he also acted as the head junior varsity coach, leading the team to a 12-2 mark. He recruited and coached “National Player of the Year” David Robinson and helped lead the Midshipmen to three NCAA Tournaments, including an Elite Eight appearance in 1986. During his eight years, Navy won three Colonial Athletic Association regular season and post-season titles.
Fitzpatrick, a native of Williamsville, NY, and his wife, Patti, have three children, Jack and twins Jenna (daughter) and Kelly (son).