McManus To Step Down As STAC Women's Basketball Coach
At The End Of 2007-08 Season
The coach has been appointed to a new post at the college
After 23 years as the head women's basketball coach at St. Thomas Aquinas College, Mike McManus has decided to step down. McManus, the winningest coach in any sport at STAC, has been appointed to a new position within the college. As of April 1, he will assume the duties as Director of Academic Services and Student Retention.
"I think it is time to turn a page in my life," said McManus. "I have coached many games at St. Thomas and I don't feel like there is much more to do. Plus it will give me more opportunity to spend time with my family. I am very excited about my new position at the college," he added.
During his 23 seasons at the helm of the Lady Spartans, McManus has won over 450 games including 12 twenty-win seasons while taking 13 teams to the NAIA or NCAA National Tournament. He is ranked 19th among active NCAA Division II coaches in winning percentage. He has twice been named Coach of the Year by the NIT/Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association and was the CACC Coach of the Year 8 times. McManus' teams have been successful on the court, in the classroom and in the community, he has coached 8 All-Americans, 3 Academic All-Americans and 17 NCBT Bill Bradley Scholastic All-Americans. All of his teams have been involved in a number of community service activities including the American Cancer Society's "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" 5-mile walk, The Midnight Run, People to People's "Adopt-A-Family" and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
McManus came to STAC in August, 1985. Since then, besides coaching basketball, he has served as the Director of The Academic Skills Center, a counselor in the HEOP program and at present, the Assistant Athletic Director for Communications, a position he will be leaving as well at the end of the season.
Coach McManus resides in Pearl River, NY with his wife of 25 years, Marie and his 2 children, son Michael (18) and daughter Betsy (24).
A search has begun to find his successor.