49ers gunning for fifth straight A-10 golf title

The four-time defending champion Charlotte 49ers are vying to become the first Atlantic 10 program since Penn State to win five consecutive golf titles at this weekend's A-10 championship at Mission Inn Resort in Howey-In-The-Hills, Fla.

Penn State won five straight crowns from 1986-91. Charlotte has won all four crowns since the school joined the A-10 in 2005-06. Charlotte has advanced to the five straight NCAA Tournaments, including 2007 and 2008 when they posted third and eighth-place finishes.

Leading the way for Charlotte is 2009 individual champion and three-time All-American Corey Nagy, who was recently named to the 2010 U.S. Palmer Cup Team. Nagy placed third overall at the 2007 A-10 championship and was runner-up in 2008. He seeks to become just the fifth player in league history to win consecutive A-10 individual titles and the first since Xavier's Steve Dixon accomplished the feat in 1998 and 1999.

Nagy leads the 49ers with a 70.97 stroke average, on pace to break the school record of 71.77 set by Ray Sheedy in 2006. Nagy owns a 72.08 career straoke avearge, which currently stands as the 49ers school record. He will be joined in the 49ers lineup by junior Will Golden, sophomores Olafur Loftsson and Paul Ferrier and freshman Andy Sajevic.

49ers sign 6-8 women's basketball post player

The Charlotte 49ers women’s basketball team has signed 6-foot-8 post player Mireille (Mimi) Mungedi from Libreville, Gabon, to complete its 2010-11 recruiting class, head coach Karen Aston announced Thursday.

"She is a very bright student who will excel, I believe, in the classroom. In addition to that, I can’t wait to get Mimi on the court and see what her potential is and will be in basketball," Aston said. "She has so much to absorb, but how can you not be excited about the potential? Needless to say, it will be fun to watch this freshmen class grow here at Charlotte.”

Mungedi, who will be the tallest player in 49ers women’s basketball history, graduated from Nelson Mandela High School in Libreville, Gabon. While in Gabon, which is a country that is located on the west coast of Africa, Mungedi played for the Libreville Basketball Club where she averaged 12 points, eight rebounds and eight blocked shots per game.

Mungedi’s two older sisters, Kamuayna and Linda, are both students at UNC Charlotte.

Tar Heels stand in way of 49ers school record

The Charlotte 49ers started their record-tying home winning streak with a victory against a powerhouse ACC team. To set the record, they'll need another.

Charlotte (29-9) will host perennial baseball power North Carolina (26-17) at 6 tonight at Hayes Stadium, where the 49ers have won 17 straight, tying a mark set during the 2007-08 seasons.

The 49ers started their streak March 16 with a thrilling, 11-10 victory against then-No.11 Clemson in front of an overflow crowd - an atmosphere likely to be repeated tonight.

"It is kind of weird sometimes how things work out," 49ers coach Loren Hibbs said. "North Carolina is playing very well right now and we have a lot of respect for their program. After seeing how they won two of three games against Clemson over the weekend, I wish maybe we could have caught them earlier in the season."

While the 49ers have had their share of success against ACC opponents, they've had a difficult time with the Tar Heels. Charlotte has a 6-29-1 record against North Carolina, with one win coming last season - 2-1 in Chapel Hill.

When Charlotte opened Hayes Stadium in March 2007, Hibbs had visions of a first-class facility hosting top-caliber teams and perhaps even an Atlantic 10 tournament or NCAA regional.

In three seasons, the 49ers have established a dominant home-field advantage, earned their first home win against a nationally ranked opponent since 2002 (Clemson) and are working on hosting postseason tournaments.

"We're not going to apologize for playing well at home or for playing a lot at home," Hibbs said. "A lot of work went into getting this program where it is today. I still believe we can do better."

As for tonight's game against the Tar Heels, Hibbs insists it will be business as usual for the 49ers.

"There is a little extra meaning, no doubt," he said. "But one of the things I'm most proud of this season is how this team has approached every game the same way when it comes to game preparation, regardless of the opponent."

49ers earn A-10 baseball and softball honors

--Charlotte 49ers junior first baseman Ryan Rivers was named co-Atlantic 10 baseball player of the week. The 6-foot-5, 231-pound native of Baltimore, batted .579 (11-for-19) with nine runs scored and a pair of home runs in five games last week. Rivers had four multi-hit performances and drove in seven runs. He also had three walks and a pair of doubles and went 3-for-5 with two homers on Apr. 23 in Charlotte’s 7-4 win over George Washington.

--Charlotte 49ers freshman Bri Gwaltney, who plays first base, was named the Atlantic 10's softball rookie of the week. Gwaltney recorded a hit in every game of the week including two for extra-bases in the series opener against Elon. Against the Phoenix, she blasted her fourth home run of the season, the fourth-most hit by a Charlotte freshman. On the week, she drove in three runs to push her season total to 25, fifth-most by a 49ers freshman.

49ers tie record for consecutive home wins

The Charlotte 49ers didn’t have too much of a problem tying the school record for consecutive home wins. Breaking it will be another matter.

Senior catcher Zane Williams homered for the third straight game to help the 49ers to a 13-1 victory Wednesday night over N.C. Central at Hayes Stadium. It’s Charlotte’s 17th consecutive home win, which ties a record set over the 2007-08 seasons.

Charlotte (27-8, 10-2) takes to the road for a three-game series this weekend against Atlantic 10 rival George Washington (19-17, 9-3).

But awaiting Charlotte when it attempts to break the record for consecutive home wins is perennial power North Carolina. The teams meet at 6 p.m. next Wednesday

In the 49ers’ win over N.C. Central, freshman Sean Pope, who starred at North Mecklenburg, earned his second win in three starts (2-0). He pitched five innings, allowed three hits and two walks and struck out three.

Longtime 49ers tennis coach Jim Boykin retires

Charlotte 49ers head men’s tennis coach Jim Boykin, the program’s all-time leader in career victories, announced his retirement on Wednesday.

“Coach Boykin has been so important to the development of our tennis program,” said 49ers athletics director Judy Rose. “He is the ultimate teacher who made his players better. He is well respected by so many. He was instrumental in helping us move forward in building a new tennis facility. We owe a lot to Coach Jim Boykin.”

Boykin, who is one of the longest tenured coaches in any sport in 49ers history, finished his career with 200 wins in 17 seasons at the helm of the men’s tennis program. During his tenure at Charlotte, the 49ers recorded double-figure wins 13 times, finished among the top five teams in the conference six times, won their first league title and reached their first NCAA Tournament.

“It was just my time to retire,” said Boykin. “I appreciate Judy Rose giving me the opportunity to coach here and the direction as she allowed our program to move towards, including (the upcoming construction of) a new facility,” said Boykin. “I have had a great time being the coach here at UNC Charlotte."

Under Boykin, the 49ers have had 12 different players earn all-conference honors including two-time Atlantic 10 Player of the Year Roy Sichel. In 2007, the 49ers captured the A-10 title, which was the school’s first-ever league title, and advanced to the program’s first NCAA tournament. Boykin earned A-10 Coach of the Year honors that season.

“When I was 15 years old, I saw myself being a coach,” said Boykin. “I always said I wanted to do something I liked and that’s what I found in coaching. I will continue to follow the program because the good guys they have coming back will continue towards graduation."

Nagy named to U.S. Palmer Cup team

Charlotte 49ers senior golf standout Corey Nagy has been named to the 2010 U.S. Palmer Cup team. Nagy, a three time all-American and reigning Atlantic 10 individual champion, is the second player from Charlotte in the last three years to earn a spot in the event.

“Obviously, any time you can represent your country it’s a tremendous honor. This is unique in the sense that only a handful of guys get to go," Nagy said. "To be invited is pretty special. It certainly ranks up there in things I’ve accomplished at Charlotte. I feel very honored to be a part of the team.”

Nagy is one of eight players selected to the U.S. team. The 2010 Palmer Cup will be held June 24-26 at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland. The Palmer Cup is a Ryder Cup-style event that pits the top collegiate players from America against their counterparts from Europe.

“This is a tremendous honor for Corey,” said 49ers coach Adam Pry. “Being selected to represent your country is extremely special and will certainly be an experience he will remember for the rest of his life. Corey will have to delay turning professional for another month to play in the Palmer Cup but it will provide a fitting end to a very successful amateur and college career.”

In 2008, 49ers player Jonas Enander Hedin of Sweden was named to the European Palmer Cup Team. Enander Hedin’s 3 & 2 victory over Georgia’s Adam Mitchell clinched Europe’s 14-10 victory over the U.S. Enander Hedin and Alabama’s Michael Thompson were named recipients of the Michael Carter Award, given to a player from each side that best represents the qualities of the Palmer Cup.

Team USA
Tyson Alexander, Florida
John Chin, UCI
David Chung, Stanford
Dustin Garza, Wichita State
Russell Henley, Georgia
Daniel Miernicki, Oregon
Corey Nagy, Charlotte
Jonathan Randolph, Mississippi
Head Coach: Chris Zambri, Southern California
Assistant Coach, Brian Sharp, Virginia Tech

Gregory named women's assistant coach

Former Charlotte 49ers women’s basketball player and current director of basketball operations, Sabrina Gregory, has been promoted to assistant coach. Gregory replaces Krystion Obie Nelson, who is leaving the team to attend to personal matters. Obie Nelson, who wants to continue her education, and her husband James are expecting their first child this summer.

"I would like to thank Krystion for her commitment to our program as a player and a coach. I can’t say enough about what she has meant to me personally and we will miss her dearly. We wish her the best of luck as she begins a new chapter in her life, ” said 49ers coach Karen Aston.

Aston also said if there had to be a change in staff, the timing could not be better. "It is time for her to coach, and I am absolutely thrilled that we can keep her in the 49er family," Aston said of Gregory. "In this business, trust, loyalty and work ethic are huge and she has all of those intangibles."

Over the last two seasons, the 49ers won 41 games, claimed the 2009 Atlantic 10tournament title, made an NCAA tournament appearance and reached the second round of the Women's National Invitation Tournament.

Notes from 49ers' baseball win over Wake

Here are some notes from Charlotte's 6-4 baseball win over Wake Forest on Tuesday night. Charlotte (26-8) looks to tie a school record for consecutive home wins (17) when it hosts N.C. Central at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

NOTES: Charlotte is outscoring opponents 54-22 in the eighth inning this season overall (48-17 in 26 home games)… The Niners have scored five or more runs in 23 of 26 home games this season, with a 22-1 home mark when scoring at least five … Charlotte is averaging 10.9 runs per home game this season… Charlotte has not lost a game when leading or trailing after eight innings this season (25-0).

In addition, Charlotte is tied with Georgia Tech for the third-longest active home winning streak in the country … The Niners’ .765 winning percentage puts them in the Top 20 in the nation … Charlotte is receiving votes in the latest National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association poll, the sixth-straight year that the team has received votes in a national poll.

Spring sports standouts

Although the Charlotte 49ers haven’t won a men’s basketball championship since entering the Atlantic 10 in 2005, the school’s spring sports’ teams have been consistently excellent – some even dominant – in the league, often with local athletes. Here’s how they’ve been faring this spring:

Baseball
25-8, 10-2 A-10 (first place)
A-10 tournament: May 25-29, Camden, N.J.
Skinny: 49ers, who play Wake Forest on Tuesday and N.C. Central on Wednesday, have won 15 straight at home.
Player to watch: Junior Corey Shaylor (Independence High) leads the league in hitting (.435) and went eight-for-11 in a three-game sweep of preseason favorite Dayton last weekend. Shaylor was the league’s rookie of the year in 2008.

Softball
31-12, 10-2 (second)
A-10 tournament: May 12-15, Amherst, Mass.
Skinny: Charlotte has a six-game conference winning streak and has and won 30 games for a fifth consecutive season.
Player to watch: Senior pitcher Emily Jeffery (Butler) holds the 49ers’ career strikeout record (681 and counting) and threw a no-hitter earlier this season against St. Bonaventure. A transfer from USC Upstate, Jeffery threw a no-hitter in her Charlotte debut in 2008 against Presbyterian.

Golf
A-10 tournament: April 30-May 2, Orlando, Fla.
Skinny: 49ers have won four consecutive league titles.
Player to watch: Senior Corey Nagy (Vance) is a three-time All-American who has six top-five finishes this season, including a victory at the Irish Creek Intercollegiate in Charlotte and a second-place last week at the Robert Kepler Intercollegiate in Columbus, Ohio.

Track and field
A-10 meet: May 1-2, Amherst, Mass.
Skinny: 49ers women have won four straight league championships; men have taken two of the last four.
Athletes to watch: Sophomore Jake Deaton (Mooresville) won two events – the discus and shot put – in last weekend’s Charlotte Invitational. His shot put of 56 feet, 8.75 inches was a personal record and close to the school record of 57-1. Sophomore Amanda Goetschius (Franklinville, N.J.) won the 5,000 meters in last weekend’s Larry Ellis Invitational in Princeton, N.J. Her time of 16 minutes, 16.97 seconds was second fastest in school history.

Men’s tennis
Skinny: The 49ers finished seventh in the A-10’s recent tennis championship. Krzysztof Kwasniewicz, a freshman from Poland who played mostly No. 6 singles, was the only player with a winning record (11-9) this season. -- David Scott

Major completes 49ers basketball staff

It appears new Charlotte 49ers men's basketball coach Alan Major has completed his staff.

The Buffalo (NY) News reported Monday Canisius assistant coach Desmond Oliver was joining Major's new staff at Charlotte. Oliver just completed his first season at Canisius. He spent the previous five seasons at Georgia.

Oliver joins former Virginia Tech assistant coach Ryan Odom and former Boston University associate head coach Orlando Vandross on Major's staff. Major retained director of basketball operations Rob Perron.

Oliver has extensive experience in the Atlantic 10 having also served as an assistant at Rhode Island and St. Bonaventure. He also served as an assistant at Texas A&M and Niagara.

49ers baseball and softball update

BASEBALL: Charlotte shortstop Justin Roland set a career high with five RBIs and senior catcher Zane Williams tied his career-best day with four hits as the 49ers extended their home winning streak to 15 games in a 14-2 rout of Dayton on Sunday.

Charlotte improved to 25-8 overall and remains in first place in the Atlantic 10 with a 10-2 record. Dayton (16-20, 3-7) was the preseason pick to win the league this season.

Charlotte is 9-0 in conference home games this season, and batted .377 as a team for the weekend against Dayton. The 49ers outscored the Flyers 36-6 in the three-game sweep. Dayton entered the weekend with a league-high 77 runs scored in A-10 games.

The 49ers return to action on Tuesday when they host Wake Forest at 6 p.m. at Hayes Stadium.

SOFTBALL: A one-hit performance by Emily Jeffery Game 1 and a two-hit shutout by Katy Hackett in Game 2 pushed Charlotte (31-12, 10-2 A-10) to a sweep of two victories Sunday in softball.

The 49ers have won six straight league games and all eight conference home games this season. The win in the opener also pushed Charlotte to at least 30 wins for the fifth consecutive season - a school record.

$60 million stadium ... at Texas high school

Here's one to drool over, Charlotte football fans. From a Rivals High story:

Just in case you forgot how important high school football is in Texas, the residents of Allen will soon have a $59.6 million stadium that will leave no doubt.

Next month in the booming north Dallas suburb, ground will be broken on a state-of-the-art, 18,000-seat facility that will feature two decks, a video scoreboard, four concession stands and 12 restrooms. It is scheduled to open in the fall of 2012.

"The community supports our kids in everything: Football, baseball, basketball, band," Allen coach Tom Westerberg said. "It isn't just athletics. They really support us with everything we do.

"The new stadium has been discussed for a number of years and the bond was passed. We are very excited to get this project done and get in there and play."

49ers women's basketball signs 2 recruits

The Charlotte 49ers women's basketball program signed two recruits Wednesday to add to its 2010-11 recruiting class - Markeisha Gatling of Raleigh and Paige McCallum of Whiteville.

Gatling, a 6-foot-4 post player from Raleigh's Athens Drive High School, is ranked the 88th best player in the nation according to Blue Star Report. She is ranked the 110th best overall player and the 20th best post player in the nation according to the Girls Basketball Report.

"I feel like I have waited forever for Markeisha to sign with Charlotte," coach Karen Aston said. "Keisha brings with her an uncanny ability to rebound and control the ball around the rim. Our staff says 'she has mitts for hands!'"

McCallum, a 5-foot-11 guard from Florida's Gulf Coast Community College, is the younger sister of Charlotte's All-Atlantic 10 guard Shannon McCallum. This past season, Paige McCallum averaged 8.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game en route to earning second-team All-Panhandle Conference honors. McCallum is the 20th-ranked Junior College player in the nation according to the Girls Basketball Report.

"I am so proud of what she accomplished during her time at Gulf Coast. She has matured as a person and as a basketball player and I anticipate her helping our program immediately," Aston said.

Perron retained on 49ers basketball staff

Rob Perron has been retained by new Charlotte 49ers head coach Alan Major as director of basketball operations, the Observer has learned.

Perron was the only member of the basketball staff not fired last month because the DOBO position is administrative in nature. Major decided on Wednesday Perron would continue in the same role, sources said.

A former head coach at St. Andrews, Perron was hired as DOBO on June 15, 2006. He spent the 2005-06 season as an associate head coach at Pfeiffer. Prior to that, he spent three years (2003-05) as head coach at his alma mater, St. Andrews.

49ers athletes rack up A-10 honors

Darius Law, Maria Ruiz, Corey Nagy and Krzysztof Kwasniewicz all were named as performers of the week by the Atlantic 10 Conference.

Law and Nagy earned the men's track & field and men's golf honors, while Ruiz and Kwasniewicz were tabbed as the women's track & field and men's tennis rookies of the week.

For the second-consecutive week, Nagy won the A-10 men's golf performer of the week. Nagy, a three-time all-America, finished second overall at the Robert Kepler Intercollegiate with a four-under 209, which including firing a 68 in the final round. It marked his sixth top-five finish of the season.

Q&A with new 49ers coach Alan Major

What will your philosophy be as a head coach?

Major: I'm just getting to know what we've got and I may not have enough evidence to make a full philosophy statement. But I will say defensively we want to be a tough-minded team. I've had a man-to-man background for most of my career and that's important because guys that learn how to be joined at the hip on defense allows you to be unselfish on offense. You can boil it down to two things - play 'D' and share the ball. You want to make sure guys know what their roles are you want to make sure guys have confidence in what you do. I think it's fueled on defense. That's what carries you through.

How would you describe your personal philosophy and the difference in coaching and criticism?

Major: I was telling of the guys last night (Jamar Briscoe), my job is to define reality. There are going to be days when they don't like me very much. There's going to be days when they think this is great and we're all chest-bumping and holding hands and that's OK, too. But I have to define reality and our staff has to define reality for them. Some days that's critical. Some days that's positive. Whatever that reality is, it is what is. I think that's most important. As long as you're real and telling the truth, that's the most important thing.

Charlotte 49ers fans always like to have a tough non conference schedule and particularly to see big-name opponents play at home. So, have you already organized a home and away series with Ohio State University?

Major: I may not play those guys until a few people graduate. Coach Matta and I have actually talked about that because it could be very possible. Here's the thing: You only know how good you are until you play the high level people. You also want to be smart enough to have balance in your schedule and I don't know a lot about the schedule right now to make a comment. You need to know what you are made of and you need to schedule some games once in a while to find out what you are made of. There's a very good possibility that could happen.

What's your five-year plan to get the 49ers back to where they should be?

Major: Well, I just got here. Right now we have about a 24-hour plan and that's to be on the court tomorrow and work. We clearly have a great foundation back. There is clearly enough talent here to have an outstanding basketball team. I hope each one of them is asking themselves where can I take my game from here. It's a long road. I think these guys are hungry. The times they've gone through the past few weeks have toughened them up.

How will recruiting at Charlotte differ than recruiting at Ohio State?

Major: The No. 1 thing I need to clarify is our motto at Ohio State was 'We got 'em.' There was no 'This is my guy' or 'That is my his guy.' We recruited them together and we coached them together. We don't want guys to be territorial. I think Charlotte and the state of North Carolina is loaded. We have to earn the right to get kids to look at Charlotte. We're not an ACC school. And that's fine. But we're going to operate like a first-class program. And we're going to do things at a high level and we're going to do things in the right way. The way we play, the way we perform and the level of our relationships is very important. If these guys (the current players) feel like they are treated right, they are going to do a lot for us.

New 49ers coach already amassing staff

Former Ohio State assistant men’s basketball coach Alan Major spent Sunday evening visiting with his new team in preparation for his official debut Monday as the Charlotte 49ers’ new coach.

The Observer first reported Friday Major had accepted the position. He will be formally introduced at a 2 p.m. news conference Monday, which is open to the public. It will be held in Salons C&D on the third floor of the Barnhardt Student Activity Center.

Orlando Vandross, the associate head coach at Boston University, will join Major on his new staff, according to two sources. Sources said Vandross visited the Charlotte campus and players along with Major on Sunday night.

Also expected to join Major’s staff at Charlotte is current Virginia Tech assistant coach Ryan Odom, according to one source. Odom, a member of Hokies’ head coach Seth Greenberg’s first staff at Tech, specializes in scouting opponents.

Odom is the son of Dave Odom, who retired in 2008 as the head coach at South Carolina, and the brother of former Charlotte 49ers assistant coach Lane Odom.

Nagy fourth after two rounds at Ohio State

Senior Corey Nagy fired a four-under par 67 in the second round of the Robert Kepler Intercollegiate to move into fourth-place individually and lead the 49ers into sixth-place entering Sunday's final round at Ohio State.

Charlotte, which was in eighth place after the first round, moved up a couple spots on the leaderboard thanks in part to Nagy's four-under par round. The three-time all-America is one-under par for the tournament, one of only four players under par after two rounds.

Nagy (74-67 -- 141) is four strokes off the lead of Penn State's Kevin Foley (-5, 137) and is the only 49er in the top 30, individually.

Charlotte hires Ohio State assistant Alan Major

Ohio State assistant coach Alan Major has accepted an offer Friday to become the new head men's basketball coach with the Charlotte 49ers, two sources confirmed to the Observer.

Major visited the 49ers campus on Thursday as a candidate for the 49ers' coaching vacancy - the only candidate who met with the remaining men's basketball staff during the search process.

Major, 41, just completed his sixth season with the Buckeyes under head coach Thad Matta and he spent three seasons as an assistant under Matta at Xavier before that. Major also spent five seasons at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif.

A native of Indianapolis, Major has also served as an assistant coach at Pacific, Southern Illinois and California Lutheran University (Division III) since graduating from Purdue in 1992.

Major attended Manual High School in Indianapolis. From there he went to Purdue and served as a manager for Gene Keady’s Boilermakers. He graduated from Purdue in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in education. He added a master’s in education with an emphasis on physical education from Cal Lutheran in 1995.

OSU assistant expected to visit Charlotte 49ers

Ohio State assistant men's basketball coach Alan Major is expected to make a visit to the Charlotte 49ers campus on Thursday as a candidate for the 49ers' coaching vacancy, two sources said on Wednesday.

Major, 41, just completed his sixth season with the Buckeyes under head coach Thad Matta and he spent three seasons as an assistant under Matta at Xavier before that. Major also spent five seasons at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif.

A native of Indianapolis, Major has also served as an assistant coach at Pacific, Southern Illinois and California Lutheran University (Division III) since graduating from Purdue in 1992.

Major attended Manual High School in Indianapolis. From there he went to Purdue and served as a manager for Gene Keady’s Boilermakers. He graduated from Purdue in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in education. He added a master’s in education with an emphasis on physical education from Cal Lutheran in 1995.

Gaudio departure may affect 49ers' hire

Wake Forest's coaching vacancy may also have ramifications in the Charlotte 49ers' search for a new head coach.

The 49ers recently focused their sights on Xavier associate head coach and former Wake assistant Pat Kelsey and a source said Wednesday Kelsey is a favorite among several Deacons athletic boosters to replace Dino Gaudio.

Kelsey interviewed with Charlotte officials during the Final Four in Indianapolis but the 49ers have yet to announce any timetable on a decision. Kelsey has not responded to repeated requests for comment this week.

Charlotte athletics director Judy Rose and the school's chancellor, Dr. Philip Dubois, said they would not comment on potential coaching candidates during the hiring process.

--Kansas associate head coach Joe Dooley, a former head coach at East Carolina, remains a candidate for the Charlotte position. A source close to Dooley said Wednesday he expected to hear something from Charlotte "soon."

Former Niners assistant interviews at G-W

Former Charlotte 49ers associate head coach Rob Moxley interviewed Monday and Tuesday for the head men's basketball coaching vacancy at Gardner-Webb, a source close to the hiring process said.

Moxley is one of five candidates that have been interviewed for the position and is considered one of the leaders for the job, the source said.

Moxley was named associate head coach of the 49ers on May 1, 2006 and just completed his fourth season in that role and 12th year overall at Charlotte. He served as assistant coach for seven years (1999-2005) before accepting an assistant coaching position at Maryland in 2005-06. He returned to Charlotte after one season to take over as associate head coach.

Gardner-Webb fired coach Rick Scruggs on March 6. Moxley lost his position at Charlotte when 12-year coach Bobby Lutz and his staff were fired on March 15.

Hopkins withdraws from Charlotte coaching search

Syracuse assistant coach Mike Hopkins has withdrawn his name from consideration for the men's head basketball coaching position with the Charlotte 49ers, two sources confirmed on Monday.

Hopkins just completed his 15th season as an assistant to longtime Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim. He finished his playing career with the Orange in 1993. He came to Syracuse from Mater Dei High in Los Angeles and had a brief professional career in the CBA and in Europe before pursuing coaching.

Hopkins was believed to be the first candidate offered the 49ers' job, sources said. The 49ers fired 12-year coach Bobby Lutz on March 15. Xavier associate head coach and former Wake Forest assistant Pat Kelsey remains the frontrunner for the position, sources said.

A decision could come by the end of the week.

Former West Charlotte star wins A-10 honors

Former West Charlotte High standout Demario House was named the Atlantic 10 Men Performer of the Week after his outstanding performances at the Tiger Track Classic in Auburn, Ala., for the Charlotte 49ers. House competed in the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash and the 4x100-meter relay for Charlotte.

In the 100m, House ran a 10.53, which was the second fastest time of the season by a Charlotte sprinter. Later in the 200m dash, House clocked a 21.49, also the second fastest Charlotte time of the season.

House then finished the weekend by running the first leg of the 4x100m relay that posted a 40.50, which ranks as the fastest Charlotte time of the season and seventh fastest in Niner history.

49ers sweep weekly A-10 golf awards

Charlotte 49ers three-time all-America Corey Nagy, who played at Vance High, was named the Atlantic 10 Golfer of the Week while freshman Andy Sajevic eamed the A-10 Rookie of the Week award as the 49ers swept league honors following their victory at the Irish Creek Collegiate.

Nagy won his second individual title of the season and fourth of his career by shooting six-under par 207 at Irish Creek. Nagy shot a four-under par 67 in the final round to claim medalist honors. It was his fifth top five finish in nine events this year.

Sajevic finished tied for 26th at +8, 221 to help the 49ers to their 11-stroke victory.

49ers lose recruit to Central Florida

Point guard Jarvis Davis, who had originally committed to the Charlotte 49ers, has instead committed to Central Florida, making his decision two days after the Knights hired Donnie Jones as their new coach.

Davis, who started his high school career in Columbia, currently plays for Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va. Davis had decommitted from Charlotte after 12-year coach Bobby Lutz was fired two weeks ago.

Read the Orlando Sentinel's story on Davis' commitment here.

Charlotte 49ers basketball coaching update

Some more updates on the search for a new men's basketball coach for the Charlotte 49ers:

--Appalachian State coach Buzz Peterson is not under consideration by Charlotte officials to be the 49ers' next coach, two sources confirmed on Thursday. Peterson, 46, is in his second stint as coach of the Mountaineers. ASU finished 24-13 this season and Peterson compiled a 79-39 record in his first tenure as coach. Peterson has also coached at Tennessee, Tulsa, Coastal Carolina and before returning to Appalachian State, he served as director of player personnel for the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats.

--Florida State associate head coach Stan Jones is also in the mix for the 49ers' head coaching job, a source confirmed Thursday. However, it remains unclear whether Charlotte will interview Jones for the position.

--Kansas associate head coach and former East Carolina coach Joe Dooley has been contacted by the 49ers regarding their head coaching position and is expected to be interviewed at this weekend's Final Four in Indianapolis, a source close to the process said.

--Syracuse officials have not responded for repeated requests for comment on Charlotte's interest in Orange assistant Mike Hopkins.