RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky University head men’s basketball coach Jeff Neubauer announced recently that Austin Newton has been promoted to assistant coach and Ryan Wiersma has been hired as the director of basketball operations.

Newton had spent the previous two years as EKU’s basketball operations assistant. He began his coaching career in 2005 as a staff assistant at Massachusetts under former Eastern Kentucky head coach Travis Ford. The native of Campbellsville, Ky., played collegiate basketball at Eastern (2001-05) and helped the Colonels reach the 2005 NCAA tournament.

“With two years of experience on the staff, Austin is prepared to step on the court and help as an assistant coach,” Neubauer said. “He has a bright future ahead in the coaching profession and I’m very excited for him to help us in his new role.”

Wiersma, another former Colonel, was an assistant coach at Williams College one year ago where he helped the Ephs finish 30-2 overall and advance to the NCAA Division III national championship game. The native of Newark, Ohio played in 99 games during his EKU career (2004-09). As a senior in 2008-09, Wiersma started 24 games at forward and finished second on the team with 71 assists.

“Ryan was a great leader for us during his time on the court,” Neubauer said. “We’re fortunate and pleased he has decided to return to his alma mater as the director of basketball operations.”

Eastern Kentucky completed the 2009-10 campaign 20-13 overall and earned a berth in the 2010 College Basketball Invitational postseason tournament.

TRANSACTIONS
Eastern Kentucky University – Announced the promotion of Austin Newton to assistant men’s basketball coach.

Eastern Kentucky University – Announced the hiring of Ryan Wiersma as men’s basketball director of operations.