“I feel that the men’s basketball program has made positive strides under Mark and we’re pleased with the direction the program is headed in the future,” Hofacre said. “We have reason to be excited about what Mark is doing with the program.”

Prior to Robert Morris, Schmidt spent seven years as one of the nation’s top assistant coaches at Xavier University from 1994 to 2001. He has also had assistant coaching positions at Loyola (Md.) College (1993-94), Penn State University (1991-93) and St. Michael’s College (1989-91) in Colchester, Vt. As a player, Schmidt played four years with Boston College from 1981-85, where he appeared in three NCAA Tournaments (1982, 1983 and 1985), including an Elite Eight appearance with the Eagles in 1985. Schmidt graduated from Boston College in 1985 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management with a concentration in marketing. He was appointed Robert Morris men’s basketball head coach May 7, 2001.

“I am excited about having the opportunity to continue to be the head basketball coach at Robert Morris for the next five seasons,” Schmidt said. “I’m pleased the University’s administration feels we’ve done a good job with the program in regard to recruiting quality student-athletes, being competitive on the court and graduating our players. I also appreciate the continued support of the administration toward athletics, including men’s basketball. We’ve had three terrific seasons, and I’m looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead. Hopefully soon we’ll realize our dreams of getting to the NCAA Tournament.”

Robert Morris opens its 2004-05 season Monday, Nov. 15, at the Guardians Classic in Columbus, Ohio. The Colonials open the tournament against Morgan State with a 5:30 p.m. contest and will play either Towson State or tournament host Ohio State Tuesday, Nov. 16. RMU opens the home portion of its 2004-05 schedule Monday, Nov. 29, with a 7:30 p.m. contest against Thiel.

Robert Morris finished with an overall record of 14-15 in 2003-04, including a 10-8 mark in league action. The Colonials tied for fourth with St. Francis (Pa.) and Wagner and advanced to the semifinals of the NEC Tournament. RMU returns three starters from that team, including senior forward Chaz McCrommon (Pittsburgh, Pa. / Schenley), an All-NEC First Team selection that averaged 17.0 points and 5.3 rebounds per game in 2003-04.

Senior guard Maurice Carter (Richmond, Va. / Eleanor Roosevelt-Md.) and sophomore guard Derek Coleman (Dorchester, Mass. / Charlestown) round out RMU’s returning starters in 2004-05. Carter averaged 14.9 points per game last season, while Coleman averaged 4.4 points and 2.1 assists and was named to the All-NEC Rookie Team.