WEST CHESTER, Pa. – Damien Blair was named the head men’s basketball coach at West Chester University by Director of Athletics, Dr. Edward Matejkovic, Thursday afternoon. The 1996 graduate of WCU returns to his alma mater after 10 seasons as head coach at Downingtown West High School.
Blair replaces his former head coach **** DeLaney, who retired in May after 21 seasons along the Golden Rams’ sideline as the school’s all-time winningest coach with 370 victories.
The program’s second all-time leading scorer during his playing days, Blair was introduced as the school’s 26th head men’s basketball coach during a press conference held inside Hollinger Field House at West Chester University. He becomes the program’s fifth head coach since 1960 and the first African-American mentor in program history.
“This is an exciting time for our men’s basketball program,” Matejkovic said. “Damien is an energetic, young coach, who we feel can build upon the tradition of our program. His ties to fellow alumni and friends of the West Chester basketball will be beneficial to his success.
“Damien portrayed an impeccable work ethic and commitment to excellence as a player at West Chester that will translate well to his new position. His success at Downingtown High School in preparing young student-athletes for the next level was an attractive asset during our exhaustive national search for a head coach.”
Blair led Downingtown High to the Ches-Mont League boys’ basketball championship, the first title in school history, this past winter and a spot in the PIAA state playoffs for the fourth time during his tenure. Overall, Blair compiled a career record of 173-78 (.689) in his high school coaching career. This will be Blair’s first head coaching position on the collegiate level.
“It is an honor to accept this position at my alma mater, and I am dedicated to putting this program in the best possible position to be successful,” Blair said. “I would like to thank Dr. Matejkovic and the committee for giving me this opportunity, and I look forward to the challenges ahead with heightened enthusiasm. The rich basketball tradition and strong alumni involvement make West Chester University one of the best programs in the country and that is why I am excited to be here.”
The rookie college mentor inherits a squad that finished 12-15 a year ago and missed the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) playoffs for the second straight campaign. The Golden Rams graduated just one player off that team while welcoming back team captain and second team All-PSAC East performer Kenneth St. George.
“The hiring of Coach Blair is definitely a step in the right direction for our program,” St. George said. “He will push us to the limit to get us to the next level. The talent is there. We just needed somebody with the right type of guidance. West Chester University made a great choice in picking Coach Blair.”
Blair leaves Downingtown High as the school’s all-time winningest boy’s basketball coach. He was named the West Chester Daily Local coach of the year as well as Ches-mont League coach of the year this past season.
During his collegiate playing career, Blair set seven individual scoring records on the career, season and game levels. His 2,025 career points stands second all-time at West Chester University and seventh all-time in PSAC history. Only Kevin Givens (1980-84) scored more points (2,054) in a Golden Rams’ uniform than Blair.
The flashy guard was a two-time PSAC East player of the year (1994, 1995) and four-time all-league selection, including three first team nods, during his illustrious playing career. Blair was inducted into the Messikomer Men’s Basketball Hall of Fame at West Chester University in 2001.
Blair played semi-professional basketball with the Delaware Blue Bombers of the United States Basketball League for a brief stint after his college career came to a close and was invited to the Philadelphia 76ers tryout camp in 1996.
Blair received his bachelor’s of science degree in Education from WCU in May 1996 and is a certified Health & Physical Education instructor in the state of Pennsylvania. He completed his master’s in Athletic Administration from WCU in May 2007 and is currently working on his doctoral degree in Educational Leadership at Immaculata University.
West Chester University Names Damien Blair Men's Basketball
West Chester University Names Damien Blair Men's Basketball
Re: West Chester University Names Damien Blair Men's Basketball
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