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March 15, 2007 PRINCESS ANNE, Md.--Director of Athletics Keith Davidson announced today that the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) has named Meredith Smith interim head coach for the 2007-2008 season. Smith will take over the helm on an interim basis as UMES plans to begin a national search in January of 2008. "We will begin fielding applications, checking backgrounds and applications in January," said Davidson. "The University wants to take a long look at this process. When I accepted the athletic director title a couple of weeks ago I said I wanted to turn a critical eye towards the athletic department. I want to do the same for the men's basketball program. We need to stop the revolving door of head coaches that has been here for the last 28 years." In order to allow that process the time it needs, UMES has named Smith, 64, as interim head coach. Smith has served the past three years as the first assistant under recently resigned head coach Larry Lessett. Smith is a 1975 graduate of UMES, then Maryland State College, one of the factors in today's decision. "Coach Smith has accepted this position; one I believe that is not an easy position to hold, because he is an alumnus of this University and wants what is best for this school," said Davidson. "Coach Smith taking on this responsibility allows us to properly conduct a search." "This is a great challenge," said Smith. "However, I believe it is a greater opportunity. This is my alma mater, I have a great love for this University and I will fill the role they need me to fill. I hope I can give the University something it has been missing for almost 30 years." When asked if Smith will apply for the position when it becomes open in January Davidson responded, "I would expect him to be an applicant." "My intent is to bring focus and intensity that hasn't been seen. I built a program at the high school level and created a paradigm that I will apply to this situation. The great challenges of overcoming [the stigma of last three seasons] are not lost to me. But perceptions change when enough wins are produced. Intensity and focus bring wins. Winning and losing transcends Xs & Os, the culture around the program has to change. I bring a different philosophical and practical approach to the game," Smith added. Davidson was quick to point out that some coaches in the past have been excellent coaches but the support may have been lacking in order to make them successful. "We have to support not only men's basketball program but all our programs. This year will also allow us to evaluate our staffing, or lack there of. We are a small shop and we need to adequately provide for our student athletes and the year allows us to get things in order and build all of our programs." With the search beginning in January, Davidson views this opportunity to "do some healing." "I am confident we can move forward and not in a rush, we don't want to repeat some of the same mistakes from the past," Davidson added. Press Conference Quotes: Director of Athletics Keith Davidson and Interim Head Men's Basketball Coach Meredith Smith
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