July 25, 2007

Aston, Pa. - Neumann's Head Basketball Coach Corey Stitzel has resigned to pursue other opportunities in coaching after one season at the helm of the Knights' program.

 

A Quakertown, Pennsylvania, native, Stitzel originally came to Neumann in August 2006 after serving as the assistant coach at Gannon University. Prior to his appointment at Gannon, he was the associate head coach and recruiting coordinator for three seasons (2002-05) under Philadelphia Hall of Fame Coach Herb Magee at Philadelphia University.

 

In 2006-07, his first season as a collegiate head coach, Stitzel led the Knights to a 13-13 overall record, a 10-8 mark in Pennsylvania Athletic Conference play, and a berth in the 06-07 PAC Tournament. His 2006-07 team led the PAC conference in scoring and forcing turnovers. His diligent coaching efforts played a major factor in the individual success of numerous Knight players in 2006-07 as well.

 

PAC All-Conference and two-time PAC Player of the Week Honorable Mention honoree Derahn Patrick scored his 1,000 point under Stitzel and led the team in scoring. Senior Ronnie Fields led the conference and team in steals averaging 2.08 a game and was ranked in the top three for free throw percentage in the PAC. Transfer DJ Fritz was named to the All-Tournament Team at the Wyndham Tip-Off Tournament, was a PAC Player of the Week Honorable Mention honoree and the Knights' choice for the 06-07 PAC sportsmanship team.

 

Stitzel, who enjoyed an outstanding playing career at Quakertown High School, where he amassed 1,000 career points and 350 career assists is also a graduate of Elizabethtown College. Coach Stitzel, who was a two-year letter winner with the Blue Jays before suffering an injury that ended his playing career and jump started his coaching abilities, said he is excited about the future.

 

"I had a wonderful coaching experience at Neumann," said Stitzel. "I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to coach such incredible players and work with such incredible people."

 

Neumann Director of Athletics Chuck Sack spoke highly of Stitzel's contributions to the Knights' basketball program over the last year.

 

"Coach Stitzel used his energy, enthusiasm and passion for basketball to help the Neumann basketball program. We truly appreciate his efforts and wish him the best in all of his future endeavors"

 

Stilzel's resignation is effective August 2. A search for a new head coach will begin immediately. For additional details, please contact the Neumann College Sports Information office at (610) 558-5639.