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by ROB JENKINS
Sports Editor
This morning at the Broyhill Inn & Conference Center, Buzz Peterson was officially introduced as Appalachian State University’s new men’s head basketball coach.
Peterson was hired on April 29 to replace the departed Houston Fancher.
This marks the second stint at Appalachian for Peterson, who was 79-39 at ASU from 1996-97 to 1999-00.
“At this time
in my life, it’s different than it was 13 years ago,” Peterson said.
“At that time you’re young; you’re trying to catch that shining star
and get to the moon. Now I’m looking for an opportunity to make a
difference and a lasting impression. What I want to do here at
Appalachian State is get us back to the top again.”
Several players attended the press conference, including A.J. Highsmith and Donald Sims.
“[It is exciting] to be here this morning with all this media and to hear [Peterson] talk and hear the fire in his belly,” Highsmith said. “To understand the success that he had in the past, and the chance that we have to do something real special here for the school and for the basketball program in general, we’re very excited.”
Sims said the team was pleased with the hire.
“We were a little anxious because it had been about three or four weeks [since Fancher resigned],” Sims said. “When we finally got the word [Peterson was hired] we got excited. We know he’s going to work us hard. We’re ready to go.”
Sims added that there was some concern that players might leave the program before Peterson was hired.
“Nobody came out and said it, but I can’t say it didn’t cross our minds,” Sims said. “We love each other so much as teammates and as brothers, nobody wanted to leave. But it crossed our minds.”
Peterson emphasized the importance of establishing a good relationship with the players he inherited from Fancher.
“I want to make sure I have a strong bond with these players” Peterson said. “When it’s a tight game that gets right down to the end, they better believe in [me]. To make sure they believe in you, you have to have confidence in them and [believe] that they can get the job done.”
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