Oct. 13, 2003

Duquesne University head women's basketball coach Dan Durkin announced today the addition of Chris Day as assistant coach. He will be responsible for working with the guards as well as scouting and recruiting.

Day comes to Duquesne after a three-year stint as the head women's basketball coach at Widener University. Day took over as head coach of Widener's program in March 2000 after serving as an assistant coach during the 1999-2000 season. Additionally, he also served as an assistant football coach (running backs) with the Pioneers from 1998-2002.

Day led Widener to the 2001 and 2002 Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) championships as the head coach and helped guide them to the 2000 league title as an assistant. The Pioneers advanced to the NCAA Championships in 2000 (semifinals) and 2001 (quarterfinals). Widener competes in the Commonwealth Conference section of the MAC.

"I'm very pleased to have Chris on our staff," says Coach Durkin. "Chris has a passion for the game and for recruiting which is a great combination at this level. He has worked at the AAU, High School and Collegiate levels, so this is the next positive step for Chris' career and his family - to join Duquesne University and to coach in the Atlantic 10."

Day took on the challenge of rebuilding a struggling women's basketball program and has seen his teams steadily improve each year. He posted an overall record of 31-44 in three years as head coach. The Pioneers went 7-17 during his first season, improved to 10-15 in 2001-02 and posted a 14-12 record in 2003, qualifying for the Commonwealth Conference playoffs for the first time since the 1984-85 season. Over his tenure, three players were named all-conference.

He served as head coach of the Main Line AAU girl's basketball team (ages 14-16) from 1993 to 1997 and led the Fencor AAU squad in 1998-99. Day also served as assistant varsity and head junior varsity girl's basketball coach at his alma mater, Archbishop Carroll, form 1995 to 1999.

Day is a 1997 graduate of West Chester University with a bachelor's degree in communications. He was a four-year scholarship athlete in both football and track & field. Day reigned as the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference champion in the 200- and 400-meter dashes and was an NCAA Division II track & field qualifier.

He and his wife Megan have two children - Christian (4) and Olivia (6 months).