March 13, 2008

3.13.08 - OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. - Mid-America Christian University announced the hiring of Markus Crandall as its new head women's basketball and head men's golf coach. Crandall is replacing Josh Lind, who has accepted a position as an academic counselor at the University of Oklahoma.

Crandall, of Moore, played MACU Evangels basketball for four years, winning three National Christian College Athletic Association regional tournaments and appearing in three national tournaments. Crandall is a member of the 1,000 point club at MACU, totaling 1,155 career points, and has a 38 percent career three-point average.

The 1997 MACU graduate was a Rose State College assistant basketball coach in the 2000-2001 season, when Rose State won the Region II Championship. Crandall also served as the assistant coach for Harvest Christian School in Oklahoma City in 2004-2005, helping lead the team to the state semi-finals.

Crandall coached in the Amateur Athletic Union, leading his team to the 2001 Basketball Congress International state championship and three national tournament appearances. Eighteen of his players went on to play collegiate athletics.

For more than 10 years Crandall has officiated college basketball, including refereeing in the NCCAA Division II Women's National Tournament.

"I am delighted to be coaching at my alma mater," Coach Crandall said. "I really believe in the mission statement of Mid-America - to impact our world for Christ. Of course, we want to be successful on the court. But I always remember what Coach Willie Holley taught me when I played: `We will judge the success of our program by how our student athletes function and contribute to society ten years after they have left MACU.' That`s what I want to do - mentor athletes who are winners on the court and in life."

Josh Lind, the women's basketball coach for two years, leaves MACU with an overall record of 30-36. He also placed fifth in the 2006 NCCAA Division II National Tournament.

Lind was the first coach of the men's golf team, and his team won two tournaments in his three years.