Tuesday, May 6, 1997

Fort Collins--Colorado State athletic department officials announced today the names of three finalists for the head volleyball coaching position vacated by Rich Feller who accepted the assistant coaching position for the US National Volleyball team last month.

"We are excited to have three fine candidates who will be visiting our campus as part of the interview process."said athletic director Tom Jurich. "We had an exceptional applicant pool which we expected in light of the fact our program has witnessed such success under Rich Feller. The applicants covered a broad scope of volleyball coaches with national prominence."

"The committee felt there was a very qualified pool of 50 candidates and we are excited to begin interviewing our top three choices."said Marsha Smeltzer, associate athletic director and chairperson of the search committee. "Each of the three candidates brings specific experiences that could continue Colorado State volleyball's success."

The three candidates to be interviewed in alphabetical order beginning tomorrow include, John Cook, Wisconsin head volleyball coach, Jayne McHugh, Pacific associate head coach, and Jim Stone, Ohio State head coach.

Cook has been the head coach at Wisconsin for five seasons compiling an overall record of 101-65. Last season Cook put together a 25-8 record and led the Badgers to the "Sweet 16"of NCAA Tournament . In 1995 the Badgers took the NIVC title and were NCAA tournament participants in 1993 and 1994. The Badgers have been ranked in the top ten nationally each of the five seasons Cook has been at the helm of the Wisconsin squad. Before joining the Wisconsin staff Cook served as the USA Men's Olympic and National Team first assistant from 1991-92.

McHugh has served as the associate head coach at the University of Pacific for the past two seasons and was the head assistant coach from 1990-95 and the second assistant coach from 1989-90. Last season UOP recorded a 26-7 overall record and won the Big West Conference title with a 14-2 record and finished ninth in the national rankings. She also served as the 1995 US Olympic festival assistant coach for the South Team who took home a silver medal. McHugh was a member of the US National Team from 1985-88 and was a two-time NCAA All-America selection as a player at UOP.

Stone has been at the helm of the Buckeyes' squad for 15 years putting together an overall record of 340-144. Last season Ohio State finished the season ranked 12th nationally with a 27-6 overall record and advanced to the NCAA tournament for the seventh consecutive season. Stone has led the Buckeyes to two NCAA Final Four appearances. He is a three-time Big Ten Coach of the Year selection and was also named Volleyball Monthly National Coach of the Year in 1991. Before going to Ohio State, Stone served as the Wyoming head coach from 1979-81.