Coach Roloson to New Paltz

NEW PALTZ — Phillip Roloson, Head Coach of the Men’s Basketball team at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, NY has moved across the Hudson to the State University of New York at New Paltz. When the saying, “he has big shoes to fill” is heard, it often refers to one person trying to fill the job of one. However, in the case of Phillip Roloson, he has the unique situation and demand of filling two pairs of shoes as he takes over as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach and Sports Information Director as of June 1, 2001.

Roloson, a native of Kingston, New York, comes to New Paltz from Bard College, where he was most recently the Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Sports Information Director, and Facility Coordinator. “Without question, Phil has the ability to handle this unique arrangement. His background and experience at Bard in both areas will be a definite benefit for us,” commented Director of Athletics, Stuart Robinson. “His commitment to hard work and high standards will allow us to develop both areas of programming within our department. I look forward to working with him and watching him grow professionally.”

In his role as Head Basketball Coach, Roloson will take over from Joe Kremer, who was recently named Assistant Director of Athletics for External Affairs and Development. “I am looking forward to coaching at SUNY New Paltz,” Roloson said. “My family has a strong background at the university, and it is always a plus when you have two alumni as your greatest supporters.” Roloson will take over a team that loses three seniors and seeks to improve its standing in the SUNYAC.

As the Sports Information Director, Roloson will seek to build upon the foundation established by Dave Hines, who left New Paltz in April to become the Assistant Sports Editor at The Daily Freeman. “When Dave left, we knew that we wanted someone with a creative background to enhance a lot of the work that Dave started. Phil allows our department to move more aggressively in a direction that will highlight the growth of our athletic program on and off the field,” said Robinson. Roloson will bring his expertise in web page development and graphic design to the athletic department as it seeks to improve its exposure within the region. “We will continue to increase the visibility of our teams and raise the level of our involvement within the surrounding communities,” Roloson said.

A tall man with a tall agenda, Roloson looks forward to his new role.