| John Krikorian was 65-42 in four seasons at
Merchant Marine. CNU athletics photo by Jesse Hutchenson |
After leading the men's basketball program for the last 26 seasons, Christopher Newport athletic director C.J. Woollum has handed the coaching reins to John Krikorian. Krikorian, the head coach at Merchant Marine for the past four seasons, has been named CNU's fourth men's basketball head coach as the program heads into its 44th year.
Krikorian compiled a record of 65-42 (.607) with the Mariners, and led the squad to a 24-5 record last season. Merchant Marine won the Landmark Conference in 2009-10 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. He was named the 2010 Landmark Conference Coach of the Year.
"I am excited about the opportunity to lead the men's basketball program at Christopher Newport University," Krikorian said. "The university has so much to offer its student-athletes, and I am looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead in keeping Captains basketball among the nation's elite programs. I also look forward to having a mentor in Coach Woollum who has established himself among the best coaches in college basketball."
Christopher Newport has gone 111-76 the past seven seasons after compiling a 98-14 record the previous four years.
Krikorian's resume includes six seasons as an NCAA Division I assistant and four as a Division III head coach. He was an assistant on Fran Dunphy's staff at Penn from 2000-02, where he was part of one of the nation's biggest turnarounds when the Quakers won 25 games in 2001.
"My last four years as head coach at the United States Merchant Marine Academy has been very rewarding, and I want to personally thank all of my players, the administration, and the alumni for making it so special," Krikorian said. "Kings Point has made me a better coach, leader, and human being."
Christopher Newport is coming off a 15-13 season and a trip to the NCAA Tournament as tournament champions of the USA South. Woollum, who recorded his 500th career victory during the USA South Tournament, announced his retirement as coach on April 21.
"I commend the search committee for their efforts," Woollum said. "They did a wonderful job. It was a challenge to narrow the list down, but as they did John Krikorian's name rose to the top."