Embattled ex-NMSU coach hired by junior college

PARK HILLS, Mo. — Former New Mexico State basketball coach Greg Heiar has been employed to teach Mineral Space Faculty, a junior school in Missouri, 4 months after he was fired within the wake of the Aggies’ hazing scandal.

Heiar was dismissed from New Mexico State in February following hazing allegations inside the staff that shut down this system for the season. The Aggies had been 9-15 general and 2-16 within the Western Athletic Convention when the season was stopped.

New Mexico State agreed to pay $8 million to settle a lawsuit involving two basketball gamers who stated they had been sexually assaulted by teammates, in line with state data launched Wednesday.

Mineral Space Faculty, situated about 65 miles southwest of St. Louis, introduced the hiring Saturday, citing Heiar’s 20-plus years of faculty teaching expertise and his Nationwide Junior Faculty Athletic Affiliation Division I nationwide championship and coach of the 12 months award in 2022 whereas at Northwest Florida State.

The 47-year-old Heiar stated in an announcement that he was wanting ahead to being part of the establishment and group. “Now it is time to get began constructing a championship staff,” he stated.

MAC athletic director Jim Gerwitz, in an announcement, acknowledged Heiar’s controversial previous, however stated that he was excited in regards to the alternative for the basketball program.

“Greg brings a wealth of information on the court docket and off the court docket in recruiting, together with having coached a NJCAA nationwide championship staff,” Gerwitz stated.

Gerwitz stated the committee that employed Heiar thought of his school teaching profession and contacted previous directors.

The assertion on the varsity’s web site stated, “they obtained overwhelmingly optimistic suggestions concerning his capacity to develop student-athletes, promote success each within the classroom and on the court docket, and create a championship tradition that may present a springboard for gamers to achieve success at Mineral Space Faculty and past.”