Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, March 15, 1992 TAG: 9203150179
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JACK BOGACZYK
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Two years ago, Purnell was two-thirds of the way through a three-year contract as Radford University's basketball coach. The only extension he appeared to be getting was on a rope with the figurative noose at the end.
The Highlanders were about as low as they could get. Purnell moved them up, then he moved out. This morning, he is the only state coach certain his team - Old Dominion - will be in the NCAA field.
After guiding Radford to most-improved status in Division I a year ago, Purnell applied at his alma mater and only heard another ODU guard grad, Dave Twardzik, mentioned as Tom Young's sideline successor.
"I never really believed that Dave was the leading candidate," Purnell said this season. "Maybe I was being stubborn, but I thought I was perfect for this job."
And why shouldn't Purnell's confidence have been as high as the top of a backboard? He had survived the Maryland mess to become a head coach, then took Radford to a reversal of fortunes.
When ODU moved from the Sun Belt Conference to the Colonial Athletic Association, it became easier for the Monarchs to succeed. Purnell had a mediocre club that improved down the stretch, then won the CAA tournament to go into the NCAA with a 15-14 record.
Perhaps the CAA should become accustomed to seeing the Monarchs at the top of the league. Considering ODU's transfer and recruiting haul - including Laurel Park's super Odell Hodge - and the potential for more signees, Purnell's program shouldn't have to upset its way through the Colonial in the future.
Purnell's $85,000-a-year job hasn't been made any easier by ODU's NCAA surprise. Great expectations won't be fiction at the Norfolk school now. Purnell, 38, isn't fazed because he remembers his Radford experience.
"When you start to lose a bit, as we did, you can forget logic," Purnell said Friday from his office. "You have to convince yourself and believe that the hassle you're going through is worth it, or change your approach.
"There were a lot of loyal people at Radford, but there were some prominent and not-so-prominent people there the second year who didn't think we'd get it done. I heard the criticism, but it wasn't like I was the first coach to go through that.
"The average fan wants something to have happened yesterday. There's no question I've been blessed in my opportunities, but I've worked very hard. I've paid my dues. I'm not here by accident. Opportunities are deserved."
As team captain, Purnell led Old Dominion to the 1975 NCAA Division II title, and he always wanted to return and coach his alma mater. Still, he had doubts, because when he was playing, he didn't see many successful black head coaches.
"I just didn't know what my prospects would be," Purnell said. "If there is a gratification, it's that we have been successful in some fashion, as we were at Radford.
"In another way, I think what we've done has helped in terms of perception in the acceptance of black coaches. A lot of people have looked at black coaches - and still do - as just recruiters.
"There's still a stereotype that black coaches aren't, and can't be, X-and-O guys. I don't think that's ever completely going to go away, but maybe what we've done here with this team will help dispel that."
by CNB