Within the last hour I have heard two separate verifications that Buddy Powers
will be named head coach at Bowling Green in a press conference at 9:30 this
morning.  The local radio stations have all picked up on the story.
 
This morning's T-U features a front page article in the Sports Section titled
"No more Buddy System" written by Bob Croce.  Croce quotes Powers in a
telephone interview from Ohio:
 
"I think when I left Bowling Green six years ago to become a head coach I had
visions of one day becoming head coach at Bowling Green if Jerry went on to
bigger and better things.  He has, and this is just a great opportunity and
another progression for me as a coach.
 
According to Powers, he was offered the job on Friday.  He also commented that
he will retain Wayne Wilson as assistant (nice scoop Keith!).
 
RPI athletic director Bob Ducatte is currently on vacation, so recruitment for
a new coach will not commence until next week.  Croce speculates that current
assistant coach Dan Fridgen is an early favorite to replace Powers.
 
According to Croce, Powers current contract runs until 1997.  However the deal
included a gentleman's agreement that would let him out of the contract should
another opportunity come along.
 
"It's hard to leave, because it's not like I'm trying to run away from a bad
situation.  I think the RPI program is in real good shape right now, and headed
in the right direction.
 
I had a real good bunch of kids there and from that standpoint it's really
hard.  It's been a real good situation for me as a coach to have been at RPI.
I'm sitting here thinking what a great situation this is for me at Bowling
Green, but on the other hand, I can't help but think what a good five years
it's been for me at RPI." (Powers)
 
Powers indicated that the lack of a decision on a migration to Hockey East had
nothing to do with his decision.  "This is just a progression for me as a coach
and strictly that.  I think we all want to try and have the best opportunity to
win when we can, and BG's goals are trying to win on a national scale.  The
scope of program is just a little broader."
 
If anything else breaks, will post immediately.
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            "NYS   // Hockey"
        Go 'Gate  //   Brian Morris
          Go RPI //      Albany, NY
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