Sept. 6, 2007

ASTON, Pa. - Knights' Director of Athletics, Chuck Sack, announced Thursday night that Mike Gallagher will succeed Stitzel as the head men's basketball coach. Gallagher spent the last seven years as the assistant head coach at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. Gallagher plans to meet with the team later in the week.

 Sack stated, "We are very excited to have Mike join the Neumann College community.   Mike's enthusiasm for our College, community and athletic department was evident from the start.  His leadership style brings a sense of purpose and caring for the student- athlete within our men's basketball program.   He has learned from some of the best individuals in our area and I believe he is ready to follow in their footsteps."

Gallagher inherits a Knight team that returns six of seven players from a squad that went 13-13 in 2007 and 10-8 in the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference. Among the returnees in 2007 are All-PAC selections Derahn Patrick and DJ Fritz.

 "My goal as a head coach is to bring the best out of the student athlete as both a player and a student. I want to coach an athlete not just for four-years but for life. I am grateful that Neumann has given me that opportunity and I feel that I will really make a difference in Aston, stated Gallagher."

Prior to the assistant job at USP, Gallagher served as the head coach of the Bishop Eustace Preparatory High School boy's basketball team. He also served as an assistant basketball coach at Pope Paul VI, Archbishop John Carroll and St. Joseph's Preparatory School.  Neumann College will be his first collegiate head coaching position. 

"I want to thank Tom Ingelsby (Villanova Basketball Hall of Fame) & Dave Pauley for the learning experiences they have given me.  At Carroll, I learned so much from Tom, Kevin McCormick (Head Coach Springfield High School) & Larry Davis on how to be successful. At USP, Dave has shown me how to run a successful college program.  I will miss the people at USP, but I am looking forward to working with the talented student athletes at Neumann College.

In 1991, Gallagher earned his undergraduate degree in commerce and engineering at Drexel and later went on to earn his masters in science of instruction also from Drexel.