Men's Basketball | 4/16/2019 3:22:00 PM
ERIE, Pa. – Mercyhurst University has signed men's basketball coach
Gary Manchel to a long-term contract, as announced by Director of Athletics Brad Davis, on Tuesday.
Manchel just completed his 16
th year as the Laker coach, guiding the program to its first NCAA Atlantic Region championship and Elite Eight appearance. In his tenure at MU, he has a 276-181 record. The Lakers have reached the NCAA Tournament three times in the last five years – the program's first three NCAA appearances.
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"This is special for me. I want to thank President Victor with all his support entrusting me with the men's basketball program here at Mercyhurst," Manchel said. "I want to thank Brad Davis, as well. We've known each other for 6-7 months and I can honestly say that I haven't enjoyed working for somebody as much as him.
"When I think of Mercyhurst, I don't think of a place that I have to go to work. I think I'm going to see my family. I appreciate the lifelong friendships I've made in my 16 years."
Manchel reached the 400-win plateau for his career in 2018-19. He now has a 407-306 all-time record in 25 years of coaching; his first nine years occurred at Massachusetts-Lowell.
While reaching the Elite Eight in 2018-19, Mercyhurst tied the school record for wins and had the No. 2-ranked defense in Division II. Mercyhurst's defense has ranked in the Top 10 in 6 of the last 7 years, including a No. 1 ranking in 2015-16 and two No. 2 rankings (2018-19, 2013-14).
"Gary has done a tremendous job with our men's basketball program, and we are thrilled that he will be our leader for the foreseeable future," said Davis. "His team has excelled on the court and in the classroom. They have distinguished themselves on campus and in the Erie community. His work ethic is second to none. Whether the focus is on game preparation or on making sure a student-athlete is prepared for an exam, Gary truly cares about his student-athletes and embodies the Mercy spirit."
