FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, 8-23-00

Marhefka, Ray Join AASU Men's Basketball Coaching Staff

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Armstrong Atlantic State head men's basketball coach Griff Mills filled out his 2000-2001 coaching staff today, announcing the selection of John Marhefka as assistant men's basketball coach and Steve Ray as graduate assistant men's basketball coach.

A former member of the AASU coaching staff, Marhefka rejoins the Pirate staff after spending last two seasons as an assistant coach at Grove City College, an NCAA Division III school in Grove City, Pa. With the Wolverines, Marhefka helped Grove City College and coach Steve Lamie to the 1998-99 President's Athletic Conference championship. A native of Medina, Ohio, Marhefka's first stint on the Pirate coaching staff came from 1996-1998 as a graduate assistant for Coach Mills. Prior to his first stint in Savannah, Marhefka was a four year letterwinner at Hiram College in Hiram, Ohio.

Steve Ray joins the Armstrong Atlantic State men's basketball staff in 2000-2001 as a graduate assistant coach. Just a season removed from a stellar two-year career for the Pirates that saw the Mount Vernon, Missouri, native knock down a school-record 163 three-pointers, Ray spent the 1999-2000 academic year earning his bachelor's degree in English communications and also coaching the Savannah Country Day seventh grade boys basketball team.

“I am very familiar with both John and Steve,” coach Mills said. “John was on my staff previously and Steve played in the program for two years. I think continuity is really important, especially with the good number of returning players we have this year. It's a real positive having two talented guys, who have been in the program and are familiar with the people in it, on our staff for the upcoming season.”

The AASU men's basketball squad begins the 2000-2001 season at the Disney Division II Tip-Off Classic on Nov. 10-12 at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex. AASU faces Bentley in the first round on Fri., Nov. 10 at 1 p.m.

- Pirates -