Saturday, June 24, 2006
Slippery Rock University's dismal basketball program could be headed for better things in the months ahead.
Going 25-81 over the past four years isn't going to cut the mustard at any college, let alone at SRU which not too long ago had a very successful basketball program and was among the league leaders year in and year out at season's end.
The Rockets have a new head coach in Jamal Palmer, a former SRU assistant coach who replaces former head coach John Marhefka, who recently resigned. Marhefka's resignation shocked Palmer and the other two grad assistants. Palmer was named as an interim coach but winning could extend his pact. Success often breeds a new, better and longer contract.
Palmer has all the credentials to be a solid coach. He joined forces with SRU in 2005 following two seasons as an assistant coach at Shippensburg University, a PSAC West rival of the Rockets.
Played while coaching
While coaching at Shippensburg, Palmer did some playing of his own for the Harrisburg Horizon in the Eastern Basketball League. His team won two straight loop championships and for his efforts was named to the All-EBA second team. He also served as an assistant for T-71 Dudelange in Luxembourg for two years. He had an undefeated season, 16-0, with the junior team.
Palmer played his scholastic basketball at Philadelphia's West Catholic High School and then earned all-PSAC honors in three seasons at Millersville University. In the 1997-98 season, he was named the PSAC East Player of the Year.
He later played pro basketball in Europe with the Worthing Thunder in England in 2000 and helped power his team to the league crown. He was a strong performer, averaging over 17 points per game, 14 rebounds, and 2.3 blocked shots. He was named MVP.
His "tour" continued as he played with the T-71 team, the Vusikaupanki Sharks in Finland and the Tijuana Tasmanian Diablo in Mexico. He's been around and has played for numerous coaches, all of whom could add to his coaching prowess.
So what is Palmer looking for to launch his program?
He definitely wants to change the style of play while bringing in players with athletic ability, size and height. But he is also high on academics and will be pushing that phase along with the actual talent of his players on the court.
Kritz caper
While we are talking about outstanding athletes, let's shift to the Shenango Valley golf scene where West Middlesex's Doug Kritz steps into the spotlight. He's a tremendous golfer, perhaps one of the best around.
On June 11, at the Hickory VFW Golf Course, Kritz handily disposed of all competition in the Pennsylvania State VFW Golf Championship, posting rounds of 69, 77 and 74 for a 220 total. His closest competitor in the championship flight was Dean Snyder who turned in a 241. That's a 21-point victory and the 7th VWF crown won by Kritz.
What put a little icing on the cake for Kritz is the fact that he's not only the commander of the Hickory VFW Post, but he does double duty as general manager of the Hickory VFW Golf Course. He knows the course like the back of his hand. He was hardly challenged.
First time at Hickory course
This was the first time the state tournament was held at the Hickory course. Kritz was expecting a much larger field for the event with 48 showing up for the competition which was held over three days. Doug expects the tourney to grow in future years now that the word's out about the smooth running of the event and what a beautiful course the players were treated to with excellent playing conditions throughout.
Competition in the state play is expected to be held at the Hickory VFW Course for a number of years now. Those that competed departed with a very satisfied feeling.
And the Hickory VFW Post could not have selected a better man as commander or as golf course general manager. Doug is very knowledgeable and gracious and is an excellent golfer.