STANDISH, ME- Saint Joseph's College Head Basketball Coach Rob Sanicola '99 has announced the hiring of Tony DiBiase as an Assistant Coach for the Monks.

DiBiase joins the staff after coaching high school basketball in Maine for over 30 years. He has coached boys' varsity basketball at Machias High School, Noble High School, Gorham High School, Portland High School and most recently South Portland High School. During this time he has obtained a career record of 392 wins.

"I am very pleased to have Tony join our staff," said Sanicola. "He is a passionate and dedicated coach who will bring so much to our program. With over 30 years of experience, DiBiase has developed a great network in the coaching fraternity in New England, especially the State of Maine, which should be very beneficial. We are thrilled to add another committed and first class coach to our program."

Tony is currently a physical education teacher at South Portland High School. While coaching basketball for the Red Riots he compiled a record of 211 wins which is the most in South Portland history. He led his teams to 6 SMAA Championships as well as 9 Western Maine Finals in addition to the 4 state titles. Throughout his career, 27 of his teams have qualified for post season tournament play. Tony is highly respected by his colleagues for his analytical ability and game preparation. "It is never easy to play a Tony DiBiase team because they are always well prepared and highly motivated," recently commented an SMAA coach.

Coach DiBiase has served as the Director of Hoop Mountain Basketball where he specialized in teaching basic skills and basketball strategies to college bound players. He also directed and organized the Big Red Basketball Camp and Big Red Summer Basketball League for high school students in the Portland area for the past ten years.

"Having someone like Coach DiBiase join the basketball staff, with his experience, his success and his network, is invaluable to a program," adds Saint Joseph's College Athletic Director Brian Curtin.

As an athlete at Westbrook High School, Tony achieved All-State status in football, baseball, and basketball. He went on to play Division I college baseball and football at UMO where he was named to the All East Team and selected to play on the 1976 College World Series Team. This past year, he was inducted into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame.

"I'm very excited to be a part of the Saint Joseph's College family," says DiBiase. "Coach Sanicola has worked very hard with his coaching staff to build a strong basketball program at St. Joe's and I am looking forward to being a part of it."