FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                March 8, 2004

BARTON TO ADD WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACHING DUTIES;

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT REORGANIZES

            Northwestern Oklahoma State University announced today a restructuring of its intercollegiate athletic program than includes Athletic Director Milburn Barton assuming the duties of women’s basketball coach.

            Barton will return to take over the program he coached from 1978-98. In his 20 seasons, Barton compiled a 346-230 record as head coach and led the Lady Rangers to three NAIA national tournament appearances. He also was named coach of the year three times by the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference.

            In February, Barton was inducted into the school’s Sports Hall of Fame.e.

            With Barton taking on expanded duties, Northwestern will restructure some aspects of the athletic program.           

            Fred Slaughter, assistant football coach, has been named an assistant athletic director and will assist with day-to-day and game management duties. He will continue his responsibilities with the football team.

            Also as part of the restructuring, the university plans to employ full-time assistant coaches for men’s and women’s basketball.

            “Our women’s basketball team enjoyed a great deal of success and was a source of great pride when Milburn Barton was the head coach and I look forward to him building on that tradition of excellence,” said Dr. Paul Beran, university president. “I believe he is the right person at the right time.

            Beran said the restructuring that is taking place will lead to a more effective management of the athletic program, as well as address some competitiveness issues among the basketball teams.

-NW-

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