WINONA, Minn. — The search for a new men's basketball coach is over.

Mark Lovelace

Saint Mary's University athletic director Chris Kendall announced Monday that Mark Lovelace, assistant men's basketball coach at Lewis University, has been named to replace Bob Biebel, who stepped down following the 2002-2003 season.

"I was impressed with Mark's energy and I believe that he will take our men's basketball program to the next level," said Kendall. "Coming from Lewis, Mark is familiar with the Lasallian values and philosophies of the Christian Brothers."

A native of Rochester, Minn., and a graduate of Rochester John Marshall High School, Lovelace has spent the last four seasons on the Flyers' staff, the last three as coach Jim Whitesell's top assistant.

As Lewis' recruiting coordinator, Lovelace played a major role in bringing to Lewis many of the players who helped the Flyers to a 23-8 record and a berth in the NCAA Division II national tournament last season. He was also responsible for scouting opponents during the season, along with on-court duties of developing the Flyers' perimeter players.

"My time at Lewis has really prepared me for a lot of different things, and I feel confident, excited and energized about the opportunity to coach at Saint Mary's," said Lovelace, who inherits a team that went 2-18 in the MIAC and 2-23 a year ago. "I realize the thought of taking over a program that won two games last year and hasn't had a winning season in a number of years can seem a bit overwhelming, but I don't look at it that way. There's a great core group of players there, and I'm looking forward to building around them and taking the steps necessary to turn the program around."

Prior to his arrival at Lewis, Lovelace was the boys' basketball coach at Augusta (Ga.) Prep, where he helped guide his team to the 1998 state tournament semifinals. He also coached one year at Decorah (Iowa) High School, and was the co-coach of the 1995 Rochester AAU Under-19 team.

Lovelace earned his bachelor's degree in elementary education at Luther College, where he was also a four-year starter for the Norse men's basketball team. A point guard, Lovelace set school records for assists in a season and career, was named the team's defensive player of the year three times and was a three-year co-captain.

"Growing up in Rochester, I knew a little bit about Saint Mary's, but what really impressed me were the great things all the Chicago alums said about the school," Lovelace said. "When alums have that strong of ties to the institution, that's a great thing."