Coach search

The search for a new men’s basketball coach at California State University, Fresno has attracted applicants from throughout the nation, reports search committee chair Cynthia Teniente-Matson, vice president for Administration.

The search committee has held several meetings. Teniente-Matson said there is a strong pool of candidates for the coaching position, and the committee is reviewing the candidates at this time.

The committee plans to interview several candidates and will make recommendations to the athletics director and the president about the strongest candidates. The committee hopes to have a decision by the second or third week of April.

President Welty, interim Athletics Director Paul Oliaro and Teniente-Matson attended the NCAA Final Four weekend in St Louis.

Teniente-Matson said university officials are attending the Final Four to meet with other university athletics directors and administrators about possible candidates and may have the opportunity to meet with some of them. The trip also provides the opportunity to inform other campuses and potential candidates about the Fresno State position.

The search for a new coach was prompted by the March 17 resignation of head coach Ray Lopes based on his involvement in NCAA rules violations in the recruiting process.