July 3, 2003

NORFOLK, VA. - Travis DeCuire, the head basketball coach at Green River Community College in Seattle, WA for the past two years and a former standout player for Old Dominion head coach Blaine Taylor at the University of Montana, has joined the coaching staff at ODU, as announced today by Taylor.

"We are so pleased that we have been able to put this hiring together in such a tight time frame, "says Taylor. "Travis has a solid knowledge of me and our system, and that, along with the success he has accomplished over the past several years, provides a nice blend for our program."

DeCuire took over the reigns of Green River Community College in 2001 and took a last place program to the NWAACC championship in just two years, while posting the school's first 20-win season in over 20 years. For his efforts, he was named the NWAACC Coach-of-the-Year. He was also a successful high school coach at Sammamish High School in Bellevue, WA, from 1eading that school to two conference championships, a state tournament appearance and three consecutive district tournament appearances.

As a point-guard for Taylor at Montana, from 1991-94, earned All-Big Sky honors his junior and senior years, in addition to being named the team's MVP for two straight years. He is the University of Montana's all-time assist leader with 435 in three seasons. He also owns the school's single season assist record of 199 in 1993-94 for a 7.1 per game average.

"I look forward to joining a great team, and Coach Taylor is excellent at taking teams to championships. This is a huge opportunity for me and my career," says DeCuire.

He served as a player/coach for the Sutherland Basketball Club in Sutherland, Australia in 1994-95 and is the president and founder of the Fastbreak Basketball Association that has assisted in teaching life's lessons and building self esteem through basketball to over 500 students in Seattle, and Tacoma. In addition, DeCuire has extensive experience in counseling, serving in that capacity at Echo Glen Children's Center in Snowqualmie, WA. From 1996- 1998 and the Ryther Children's Center in north Seattle from 1995-97.

DeCuire replaces ODU Hall of Famer Kenny Gattison, who resigned in June to join the coaching staff of the NBA's New Orlean's Hornets.

For more information, contact the athletic public relations office at 683-3372.