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Feb. 10, 2004 Princess Anne, MD - The University of Maryland Eastern Shore announced today that Head Volleyball Coach Toby Rens has resigned his position to take a similar one at Long Island University. "We regret having to accept [the resignation] but wish him well in all his future endeavors," said Director of Athletics Nelson Townsend. Rens is credited with rebuilding the UMES Volleyball program, taking an 11th place team that had not won a match in over two seasons to a championship contender and 2nd place team in 2003. Rens takes over the Blackbirds following an impeccable career as a Hawk. He guided UMES to a 26-12 mark last year, earning a berth in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference final after finishing the regular season in second place. UMES went 20-15 in 2002 and advanced to the conference semifinals, earning the Iowa native MEAC Coach-of-the-Year honors one year after finishing 3-28 in his initial campaign. He was rewarded just last season with the Quantum Leap award for most improved team in his 2002-2003 campaign. "My time at UMES was very enjoyable and very rewarding," said Rens. "It was wonderful to see the effort of a lot handwork payoff. The players worked very hard for me and for the University, they obtained great success at UMES," he added. UMES was Rens' second stint as a Head Coach, one that was just as successful. At Division II Northern Michigan he guided them from 1998-99 accumulating a 58-17 record, two Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular-season crowns and a pair of NCAA Division II Tournament appearances. Northern Michigan won its first league title with an unblemished conference record and repeated despite a roster with several inexperienced players. Rens accomplishments at UMES were also in the player development category as he stressed academics and consistently had athletes ranked in the top of the university in grade point average. Rens developed athletes as well. His players were named player and rookie of the year from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in both of the last two seasons. Jana Milin was named Player of the Year in 2002 and 2003 as Milin was also named Rookie of the Year in 2002 and Sanda Dzile received rookie honors in 2003. "I would like to thank to Dr. Vivian Fuller for hiring me and Mr. Nelson Townsend for supporting me. Mr. Townsend's continued commitment and development towards the volleyball program, while working with me, made last season's success possible. Also, it was Dr. Thompson, the entire administration, students, and fans who were instrumental in our success. It is because of all the support they showed our young women that we were able to achieve so much," Rens added. "While moving on is bitter sweet, I feel very good about the condition that I am leaving the program. It will continue to be a contender in the MEAC," said Rens. Assistant Coach Renee Arnold will oversee the program until a new coach is appointed. portions of this story taken from Long Island University Media Relations
View Long Island's offical release here
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