Search begins for new coach

The first step is to select a committee.
By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- YSU director of athletics Ron Strollo will conduct a nationwide search to replace women's basketball coach Ed DiGregorio.
Strollo said he will take things slow because of the NCAA Tournament.
"We have time, our schedule is complete and we only have one scholarship available, so we don't want to rush things and miss a good applicant who is currently involved in tournament play," Strollo said.
Strollo said that his first objective is to put together a search committee and that by next week he hopes to have advertised the position in national publications.
"Once we get the search committee together, then we will set down the criteria that we are looking for in a coach," he added.
Strollo indicated one criteria he has is college coaching experience.
"Not necessarily head coaching experience, because we feel there are a lot of good assistant coaches around the country," he said.
Strollo added that it will a big plus for a candidate to be familiar with recruiting in the tri-state area, where the Penguins have had success over the years.
Contacting new recruits
Strollo said he will be in contact with the recruits for next season, including Poland High standout Kristy Gaudiose.
"I'll be on the phone in the next couple of days talking with them and assuring them that we will be bringing in a top-notch head coach to take over the program," Strollo said.
One candidate whose name immediately came up was that of former YSU player Liz Grzesk, who was an assistant to DiGregorio for three seasons before moving to Wisconsin-Green Bay prior to this season.
Strollo said that Grzesk's experience would make her a viable candidate for the job.
Strollo said that he asked DiGregorio to be part of the selection committee.
"He'll sit down and talk with every candidate that we bring in here.
"It's going to be a job, but I think it's going to be fun also," Strollo said.