5-15-08

Don Friday, Lycoming College’s head men’s basketball coach, has resigned to become head coach at St. Francis University, an NCAA Division I school in Loretto, Pa. According to Frank Girardi, Lycoming’s director of athletics, a national search for a new coach will begin immediately.

“We wish Coach Friday great success in his move to St. Francis as head coach,” said Lycoming President Dr. James E. Douthat. “He clearly possesses all the personal and professional qualifications to lead a Division I program. We appreciate his fine work in building an excellent men’s basketball program at Lycoming. Don and his family will be missed.”

During his five seasons at Lycoming, Friday compiled an overall record of 83-49 (.629). During the 2007-08 season, he led the Warriors to a 17-10 overall record and 7-3 mark in the Commonwealth Conference. Lycoming also claimed the league’s regular-season championship. For his efforts, Friday was named the conference’s Coach of the Year.

“Don has served Lycoming extremely well,” said Girardi. “He has elevated our program to a championship level. Going from a Division III head coach to a Division I head coach tells you what the basketball community thinks of Don. I wish Don and his family the very best.”