Mark Edwards Named to CollegeInsider.com Top-25 Non-Division I Head Coaches List

St. Louis, Mo., July 20, 2011 – Washington University in St. Louis men’s basketball coach Mark Edwards was named to the CollegeInsider.com Top-25 Non-Division I Head Coaches list, as announced by Jason Belzer on the website.

Edwards has compiled a 542-251 (.683) overall record in 30 seasons at his alma mater, including a school-record 27 consecutive winning seasons. He guided Washington University to back-to-back NCAA Division III National Championships in 2008 and 2009, joining an illustrious group of four teams who have won back-to-back titles.

He garnered D3hoops.com (2008), NABC (2008, 2009) and Molten/DIII News National Coach of the Year honors (2002, 2008, 2009), along with eight University Athletic Association (UAA) Coach of the Year awards (1988, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2009, 2010).

Over the past 22 seasons, the Bears have enjoyed their most success, winning 20 or more games 10 times, participating in 15 NCAA tournaments, and finishing first or second 20 of 24 times in the competitive UAA.

Washington U.’s 24-year record in the UAA – 254-79 (.763 winning percentage) – is the league’s best mark since its inception in 1987-88. In addition, 16 student-athletes have earned 26 All-America awards under Edwards, along with eight Academic All-America honorees.

Joining Edwards on the Division III list is Chris Harney (St. Mary’s, Maryland), David Hixon (Amherst), Bob Semling (Wisconsin-Stevens Point), Bob Walsh (Rhode Island College) and Mike Maker (Williams).

Washington University opens the 2011-12 season at home on Tuesday, Nov. 15, against MacMurray College. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. at the WU Field House.