Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, December 8, 1993 TAG: 9312080160
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RALPH BERRIER JR. STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
Staley, who coaches both the men's and women's soccer teams at Radford University, today will be named the women's soccer coach at Alabama, which will revive its dormant program in 1994.
"We're going to be making a statement regarding the hiring of a new coach [today]," said Alabama associate athletic director Don Gambrill. "That's about all I can tell you now."
Staley would not confirm that he has been offered or has accepted the Alabama position. Sources at both schools said Tuesday that Staley will be leaving Radford.
Staley said on Tuesday that he has taken his name out of the running for the women's soccer job at another Southeastern Conference school, Auburn. Staley was believed to be one of two finalists for that position.
"I'm not waiting for [Auburn's] decision," Staley said.
Staley faces the task of resuscitating a program that was dropped following the 1988 season. Staley will have to recruit an entire roster of players before next fall.
"The new coach will start the program from scratch," Gambrill said.
Staley came to Radford as a men's assistant in 1984, was hired as the women's coach in 1985, and was given the dual position of coaching both the men's and women's teams in 1986. Staley amassed a combined record of 189-129-26 coaching both teams at Radford. His women's record was 104-64-9; the men's record 85-65-17. He is Radford's winningest coach in both programs.
Staley had mixed results this season. The women posted a best-ever 15-3-2 mark, but the men were 4-13-3.
Alabama will become only the fifth SEC school to play women's soccer, joining Auburn, Arkansas, Kentucky and Vanderbilt.
by CNB