June 16, 2008 - Geneva College
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June 16, 2008

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Geneva College Golden TornadoesBeaver Falls, PA – Geneva head women′s basketball coach Ron Galbreath′s recovery from a stroke this past spring continues well ahead of schedule. The legendary coach has every intention of returning to the sidelines to continue his incredible career, but he will need to take one year off to concentrate fully on getting back to 100%.

Geneva′s newly installed athletic director, Dr. Kim Gall, made her first personnel move of the new school year by hiring former Geneva star Amy Russin as the interim head coach for the women′s program for the upcoming campaign. Russin, who played for the Golden Tornadoes from 1995-99, finished her career with the second most assists in school history. She was Geneva′s starting point guard in one of the school′s finest seasons when the Golden Tornadoes went 22-12 during the 1996-97 campaign. “I am pleased that Amy has accepted this position,” said Gall. “It is nice to have someone with the experience, skills and knowledge of Geneva step into this role. We are all looking forward to working with Coach Russin for the upcoming season.”

Russin recently completed her first year as a full-time professor in Geneva′s business department. She will continue in that role while taking on the added responsibilities of Geneva′s interim head coach.

No stranger to the coaching ranks, Russin spent some time coaching youth basketball following her graduation from Geneva. In the years of 2001 and 2002, Russin served as the junior varsity and assistant varsity coach at Beaver High School.

“I am thrilled for this opportunity,” Russin said. “Having played for Geneva and gone to school at Geneva, it will be a great thrill to be on the other side of that equation as a coach. I have great respect for Coach Galbreath and for what he has accomplished in his career and for this program. My hope is to help this program continue to move in the right direction for the next 12 months.”

Geneva′s women′s basketball program is coming off two of its most successful seasons in school history. In the last two years, the Golden Tornadoes have compiled an overall record of 44-11, including the school′s first trip to the NAIA national tournament in 2007. Last season, Geneva finished its first year as a member of NCAA Division III and the Presidents′ Athletic Conference with a record of 20-6.

Geneva College is a comprehensive Christian college of the arts, sciences and professional studies. Founded in the tradition of the Reformed Christian faith, Geneva prepares students to serve Christ in all areas of society: work, family and the church. Geneva is a founding member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU).

Jun 16, 2008