New basketball coaches unveiled
Utah State University-College of Eastern Utah Assistant Coach Brian Edelstein has been named interim head coach for the 2011-12-basketball season. He replaces Coach Brad Barton who died suddenly, Oct. 4, 2011.
USU Eastern athletic director Dave Paur has been named the associate head coach for the men’s team. He will take charge over player discipline and will advise Edlestein and Hammer on running day-to-day operations of the team.
This archived article was written by: KC Smurthwaite
Utah State University-College of Eastern Utah Assistant Coach Brian Edelstein has been named interim head coach for the 2011-12-basketball season. He replaces Coach Brad Barton who died suddenly, Oct. 4, 2011.
USU Eastern athletic director Dave Paur has been named the associate head coach for the men’s team. He will take charge over player discipline and will advise Edlestein and Hammer on running day-to-day operations of the team.
Coach Edelstein commented “I am humbled and gratified for the confidence the administration has shown by my selection as interim head coach of such a successful basketball program.” “This is not how I envisioned becoming a head coach.”
Edelstein said he admired Barton and the positive impact the coach had on him, the team and the program at USU Eastern.
“It is my intention to carry on in Coach B’s footsteps and provide stability and leadership for the great young men in this program,” Edelstein said. “I look forward to the opportunity and the challenge.”
Coach Edelstein came to USU Eastern from the University of South Carolina where he was the video coordinator for the Gamecocks. Edelstein holds a bachelors degree in communications from Cal Poly, and a master’s degree in sports and recreation management from Kent State University. Edelstein was appointed offensive coordinator by Coach Paur for this year’s team.
Paur has coached the USU Eastern women’s basketball team since 1989. Prior, he was head men’s basketball coach at California’s King’s River Junior College and athletic director and football and basketball coach at Chowchilla High School. Paur will continue with his duties as athletic director, and women’s basketball coach as he leads the men’s team. Paur brings more than 35 years of coaching experience to the men’s basketball team. Dave Paur received his bachelor’s degree from Southern Utah University, and received his Masters in Physical Education from the University of Utah.
Hammer came to USU Eastern from Westminster College where he was an assistant for the women’s basketball program. Hammer also helps run one of the states largest basketball recruiting services. Coach Paur named Hammer as the defensive coordinator for this year’s team.
These positions are all on an interim basis until March 1, 2012 when the job will open again to find a permanent replacement.
