May 22, 2001

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Former United States Merchant Marine Academy head coach Bill Lange has been named Coordinator of Basketball Operations, Villanova head coach Jay Wright announced today.

Lange, 29, comes to Villanova from Kings Point, where he led the Mariners to a 39-19 (.672) record in two seasons as head coach. In 2000-2001 Lange guided the Merchant Marine Academy to its first appearance in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Division III Tournament. For his efforts Lange was named NABC Atlantic District Coach of the Year and the Metropolitan Basketball Writers Division III Coach of the Year.

In 2000-2001, Lange's squad finished 22-8 and captured the Skyline Conference championship. In two seasons at the Merchant Marine Academy, Lange's teams were 31-5 in Skyline Conference play and claimed two league titles.

A native of Haddon Heights, N.J., Lange graduated from Rowan University in 1994 where he played on the team that reached the NCAA Division III Final Four. In 1995-96 he became the head coach at his alma mater, Bishop Eustace High School in Pennsauken, N.J., before moving into the college ranks as an assistant coach at Philadelphia University from 1996-98. During the 1998-99 season he was an assistant coach at La Salle University.

"Bill has proven himself as an effective teacher, recruiter and program builder at the Merchant Marine Academy," said Wright. "He is a fiery, committed young coach who I am proud to have on our staff."