
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, March 18, 1991                   TAG: 9103180036
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: RAY COX SPORTSWRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

PURNELL INTERVIEWS FOR OLD DOMINION JOB

Radford University basketball coach Oliver Purnell interviewed for a similar position at Old Dominion on Saturday with athletic director Jim Jarrett and members of a search committee.

"We had some good discussions," Purnell said. "They had some questions; I had some questions. I was given no timetable for a decision."

Purnell is one candidate for a job that came open when Tom Young was fired earlier this month. Former ODU college division All-American Dave Twardzik has also interviewed for the job and it has been reported that he is the front-runner.

Twardzik is a former NBA assistant coach and is now scouting director for the Charlotte Hornets.

Purnell is also an ODU alumnus, Class of 1975, and was a player there. Purnell has said there is a "natural interest" in the job.

Purnell has just completed his third year as the Radford boss, coaching the Highlanders to a 22-7 record and a runner-up finish in the Big South Conference. He signed a three-year contract extension this season after turning the Highlanders around.

Radford went 7-22 in 1989-90 amid speculation that his job was in trouble. Purnell, who has 11 of his top 12 players returning, has said that he is very happy at Radford.

Radford athletic director Chuck Taylor approved the talks between Purnell and the Norfolk school.

by CNB