Mercy College Names Tony Staffiere Head Men’s Basketball Coach
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
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Tony Staffiere |
Mercy College Names Tony Staffiere Head Men's Basketball Coach
DOBBS FERRY, NY - Mercy College Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation Dr. Kevin T. McGinniss announced the appointment of Tony Staffiere as head men's basketball coach on Tuesday, June 5.
"Tony surfaced as a candidate during the search process and ultimately emerged as the best fit moving forward to lead our men's basketball program," said McGinniss. "Tony is committed to the development of the total student athlete. His work ethic, enthusiasm and passion for the game are second to none. He shares the values and the vision necessary to bring this program to the next level."
Staffiere was as an assistant coach on Mercy's women's basketball staff for the 2006-07 season, helping to turn that program around with a seven-game improvement. He also served as recruiting coordinator for the entire athletics department.
Prior to joining Mercy, Staffiere served for one year as head women's basketball coach and assistant athletics director at Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill, Massachusetts. He was also head coach of the women's program, assistant athletics director for fundraising and physical education/health lecturer at Regis College for two years.
Staffiere served as assistant men's basketball coach at Onondaga Community College from 2001-02 and graduate assistant for the women's team at LeMoyne in 2000-01 after beginning his career at Maine Maritime Academy as an assistant men's basketball coach.
"I am very grateful to Dr. McGinniss and the Mercy College administration for allowing me the opportunity to lead its men's basketball program," said Staffiere. "I would also like to thank Coach Ashlee Kelly for taking a chance on me last fall and hiring me to work with her and the women's basketball program. Without the chance to spend what was an enjoyable year with the women's team, this opportunity would never have been possible."
The 31-year old native of Veazie, Maine, has been on staff at various basketball camps and clinics, including Five Star Boys Basketball Camps and Five Star Girls Basketball Camps in Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati Boys Basketball Camp.
Staffiere also volunteered at the 2006 NCAA Final Four Convention in Boston and has contributed to Five Star Basketball Publications, Maine Roundball, and was featured in Adrian Wojnarowski's best seller "The Miracle of St. Anthony."
Staffiere is a 1999 graduate of Westfield State College in Westfield, Massachusetts, where he earned a bachelor of arts in mass communications. He was named to the Dean's List and finished his degree with a 3.45 cumulative grade point average as a part of the Psi Chi Honor Society. In 2002, Staffiere earned his master's degree in education from LeMoyne College in Syracuse, New York. He is currently pursuing a master's degree in organizational leadership at Mercy College and is also an adjunct lecturer of physical education.
Staffiere replaces Steve Kelly, who stepped down after 11 years at the helm. He will take over a program with seven letterwinners returning from last year's squad.
"I truly believe this is a unique situation to step into," said Staffiere. "I am taking over a relatively experienced team with several juniors and seniors. However, looking down the road, there is also a solid nucleus of sophomores and red-shirt freshmen combined with the newcomers this fall."
