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By STEVE LEE
© St. Petersburg Times, published March 6, 2001
SAINT LEO -- The phones were ringing off the hooks Monday in Fran Reidy's office as the Saint Leo University athletic director fielded inquiries for a sudden vacancy.
Men's coach Mike Hanks resigned Friday to team up with former Florida Southern coach Gordon Gibbons and Saint Leo assistant Conrad Foss in managing youth basketball camps.
"We think we're on the verge of something big," Hanks said. "It was time for me to make a move like this and maybe roll the dice."
Lions assistant Brad Ash is not a candidate for the job, Reidy said, adding that Foss, a former Wesley Chapel coach, has not been ruled out.
Foss could not be reached for comment.
Reidy has not set a deadline for replacing Hanks.
"I really hadn't thought too much about it," Reidy said. "Obviously, April 11, which is signing day, looms in the not too distant future. We graduate three seniors, so there is some urgency on my part."
Hanks, 47, compiled a 66-70 record in five seasons, including a 12-15 mark this season. In 1997-98, Hanks coached Saint Leo to a school-record 19-9 season and a second-place finish in the Sunshine State Conference.
"They were five really good years," said Hanks, a San Antonio resident.
Hanks suspended leading scorer Matt Hogarth for violating team rules this season and dealt with a brawl between the Lions and Florida Memorial.
"(The) Florida Memorial (incident) shook him up a little bit, but I don't think it played a part in his decision."