Lewis volleyball
coach resigns
ROMEOVILLE, Ill. >> Lewis University men's volleyball coach David Deuser resigned his position yesterday, less than two weeks after his team was eliminated in the NCAA Championship semifinal at the Stan Sheriff Center.
The Flyers' coach since the program's inception in 1994, Deuser guided Lewis to the NCAA semifinals in four of his 11 seasons. In 2003, Lewis became the first Division II program to win the NCAA Division I title.
Lewis' championship has since been called into question, with the NCAA investigating the eligibility of at least two players from last year's team. In December, the school self-reported what was considered a serious infraction, and sat out two All-Americans this past season, junior hitter Gustavo Meyer of Mexico, and senior setter J.R. Martins from Brazil.
No ruling has been made by the NCAA however Deuser was very disappointed when learning last week that Hawaii's 2002 title had been taken away. ("I'm thoroughly disgusted on behalf of UH," Deuser told the Star-Bulletin last Tuesday.)
Deuser, who compiled a 256-112 record in 11 seasons, was unavailable for comment yesterday. The Chicago Tribune yesterday quoted Deuser as saying the NCAA investigation was the impetus for the resignation but so was the way the Lewis administration handled it.
Three Hawaii prep players have committed to play for the Flyers next season: Iolani's Sean Carney and Mike Contee, and Punahou's Mikey China.
Carney said he has been told his scholarship will be honored but that he would be released from his letter of intent if he desired.
"I'm still going to go," Carney told the Star-Bulletin yesterday. "And I'm pretty sure Mike and Mikey are, too. (Deuser's) a great coach and I wanted to play for him, but I also love the school and I know they'll have a good coach by the time I get there."