NEWPORT NEWS, VA - After leading the men's basketball program for the last 26 seasons, Christopher Newport University Director of Athletics C.J. Woollum today handed the coaching reins to John Krikorian. Krikorian, the head coach of the United States Merchant Marine Academy the last four seasons, has been named CNU's fourth men's basketball head coach as the program heads into its 44th year.

“I'm very excited to welcome John to the Christopher Newport family,” Woollum said. “He's worked for some fantastic coaches, and they're unanimous in their praise of his abilities. I think John will have an immediate positive impact on the program.”

Krikorian compiled a record of 65-42 (.607) with the Mariners, and led the squad to a 24-5 record last season. The Merchant Marine Academy won the Landmark Conference regular-season and post-season championships in 2009-2010 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. He was named the 2010 Landmark Conference Coach of the Year.

“I am excited about the opportunity to lead the men's basketball program at Christopher Newport University,” Krikorian said.  “The University has so much to offer its student-athletes, and I am looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead in keeping Captains basketball among the nation's elite programs.  I also look forward to having a mentor in Coach Woollum who has established himself among the best coaches in college basketball.”

Krikorian's 12-year coaching resume includes six seasons as an NCAA Division I assistant and four as a Division III head coach. Krikorian was an assistant on Fran Dunphy's staff at Penn from 2000-2002, where he was part of one of the nation's biggest turnarounds when the Quakers won 25 games in 2001.

“My last four years as head coach at the United States Merchant Marine Academy has been very rewarding, and I want to personally thank all of my players, the administration, and the alumni for making it so special,” Krikorian said.  “Kings Point has made me a better coach, leader, and human being.”

“John is a great fit at Christopher Newport University,” Dunphy, now the head coach at Temple University said. “I know he's very excited about the challenge. He'll do a tremendous job.”

Krikorian also assisted Fran O'Hanlon at Lafayette from 2002-2004.

“John is a terrific person and coach,” O'Hanlon said. “He's the complete package…very dedicated, knows what he wants and how to get it from his players. He's a great communicator, motivator, and relentless recruiter. I think he's the perfect hire for CNU.”

Before taking over as coach at the Merchant Marine Academy, Krikorian spent two years as an assistant at the United States Naval Academy (2004-2006) under head coach Billy Lange.

“The number one thing with John is his dedication,” Lange said. “He truly gives 100 percent to every venture he's associated with. He is a man of great character, he'll do things the right way there and the players will develop in every aspect of their lives.”

The Auburn, Massachusetts native earned a bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering in 1996 from the University of Pennsylvania, where he played on the junior varsity basketball team coached by Steve Donahue, now the head coach at Boston College.

The CNU men's basketball squad is coming off a 15-13 season and a trip to the NCAA Tournament in 2009-2010 as tournament champions of the USA South. Woollum, who recorded his 500th career victory during the USA South Tournament, announced his retirement as coach on April 21st.

“I commend the search committee for their efforts,” Woollum continued. “They did a wonderful job. It was a challenge to narrow the list down, but as they did John Krikorian's name rose to the top.”