May 6, 2008

Hafer Resigns Post With Pitt State Basketball Program

    PITTSBURG -- Pittsburg State University basketball coach Gene Iba announced today that Jeff Hafer, who served the past five seasons as assistant coach for the Gorillas, has resigned from his position to pursue other professional opportunities. Hafer, a seven-year PSU staff member, will remain at his post until the end of his contract on June 14.
    Hafer, a Joplin, Mo., native, was elevated to Assistant Head Coach status on Feb. 1. He became a full-time assistant with the Pitt State program on May 14, 2003, after serving two years as a graduate assisant for the Gorillas. Hafer played collegiately at the University of Missouri from 1997-2000. He earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Missouri in 2000 and he received a master’s degree in business administration from Pittsburg State in December 2003.
    “We deeply regret losing someone as important as Jeff has been to our program over the past seven years,” Iba said. “He has been integral to any amount of success that we have had during that time. That being said, we certainly wish Jeff and his family the very best in all of their endeavors in the future.”
    Hafer helped the Gorillas to a pair of NCAA Division II National Tournament appearances (2005, 2007) and a 117-83 record during his tenure on Iba’s staff. The Gorillas posted an 18-10 record in 2007-08, climbing as high as No. 13 in the NABC/Division II Top 25 poll in mid-January.
    “I appreciate the opportunity Coach Iba, (Athletic Director) Coach Broyles, and (President) Dr. Bryant all gave to me,” Hafer said. “I’ve enjoyed being a part of the Gorilla family. The timing is right now for me and my family to pursue other interests. I’m leaving with great memories and I’ve cherished my time in Pittsburg.”
    Pitt State will immediately begin a search to fill Hafer’s position.