BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S JOHN HUNTER NAMED 2003 TACHIKARA/AVCA TWO-YEAR COLLEGE NATIONAL COACH OF THE YEAR

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO - The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA), in conjunction with Tachikara USA, Inc, is proud to announce that John Hunter of Barton County Community College has been selected as the 2003 Tachikara/AVCA Two-Year College National Coach of the Year.

Hunter led Barton County to it first National Junior College Athletic Association Division I National Championship with a record of 34-1. This year was the 16th straight appearance for the Cougars in the NJCAA Tournament and Hunter was named the Coach of the Tournament. Barton County dropped just six games out of the 95 played this season.

Hunter has placed his team in the NJCAA Tournament in each of his four years at Barton County. The Cougars placed fifth in 2002, eighth in 2001 and sixth in his first season. After Barton County completed an undefeated season last year in Region VI, Hunter was named the Region VI Coach of the Year.

Hunter owns a 149-22 overall record at Barton County and a career record of 233-50. Prior to coaching at Barton County, Hunter coached for three seasons at Highland Community College and compiled an 84-28 record. He has also spent time as the director of National Volleyball Recruiting Services and coached the Sports Performance club program. Hunter earned his bachelor's degree from Northeastern Illinois in 1994.

Tachikara will formally present his award on Dec. 18 in Dallas at the Tachikara/AVCA Coach of the Year banquet. The brunch is held in conjunction with the 2003 AVCA Annual Convention.