March 15, 2003

CLEVELAND - Cleveland State University men's head basketball coach Rollie Massimino has resigned from his duties at the University to devote more time to his family. Massimino, who came to Cleveland State in 1996, has compiled a 515-391 (57%) win-loss record in 30 years of collegiate coaching. Highlights of his career include winning a 1985 NCAA national title as coach of the Villanova University Wildcats and joining a select group of collegiate coaches to win 500 games, a feat accomplished last season with the Cleveland State Vikings.

Said Massimino, "I have reached a point in my life where I want to spend more time with my wife and family. Cleveland State University has been very good to us and I have made many new friendships during my time in Cleveland. I have the greatest respect for Athletic Director Lee Reed and the University and I am sure that they will be able to move ahead with all of their goals for the men's basketball program."

In making the announcement, Cleveland State Athletic Director Lee Reed said, "It is always difficult when an individual as accomplished as Rollie leaves a university's athletic program and there will truly be a void until we can find his successor. Rollie is a fine individual who has had a stellar reputation as a coach and more importantly as a mentor to student-athletes. Rollie is truly a hall-of-fame caliber coach and we sincerely appreciate his efforts over the past seven years. He will be missed."

A search for Massimino's replacement will begin immediately.