(WOLFVILLE, N.S.) - Acadia University's department of athletics is excited to announce the hiring of Grand Falls, N.B. native Kevin Duffie as the Axemen basketball team's new head coach for the 2014-15 season and beyond. Duffie replaces former Axemen head coach Steve Baur who has joined Canada's national women's basketball program.
Director of athletics Kevin Dickie noted that the position was filled quickly for a reason. "I am not looking at this as Kevin Duffie conveniently replacing anybody. This is about Acadia Axemen basketball continuing to strive to get better. I was a reference for Kevin for two other CIS coaching opportunities that he was very close in getting. There is no question he is ready and a perfect fit for our program."
"If this parallels Steve Baur's hiring and success he had as a young coach, that is a coincidence," Dickie added. "Kevin has carved his own path over the past few years that has lead him to this opportunity. I am very excited that Acadia basketball and our student-athletes are in very good hands in 2014 and the seasons ahead."
Duffie spent six seasons as an assistant coach at Acadia under Baur. He joined the Acadia staff one year after winning a CIS silver medal with the basketball Axemen in 2008 as a student-athlete.
Duffie was instrumental in helping Acadia win the 2011-12 AUS championship; make five straight AUS playoff appearances; and achieve a first-place regular season finish this past season. The Axemen have also earned a berth to the Final 8 three times in the last four years.
In December of 2013, Duffie was hired as Basketball Nova Scotia's technical director, leaving his position as program coordinator with the Acadia S.M.I.L.E. program.
He has spent his summers coaching provincial basketball teams, winning a silver medal with Team Nova Scotia during the summer of 2011. He has represented Nova Scotia as a coach in four national championships and in one Canada Games.
With a strong understanding of the values and traditions that are current at Acadia, Duffie feels as though he is the right fit. "I believe the program is heading in the right direction and I am excited to continue to build on its recent successes and be part of the next era of Axemen basketball," he said. "I am excited for the opportunity to lead the Axemen basketball team now and into the future. We have a great group of current players and recruits that can come in and make an impact right away".
The Axemen open the exhibition season Oct. 3 at home.
Source: Acadia Sports Information