Ross Hodge named men’s basketball head coach
Published or Revised May 11, 2006
Ross Hodge, former student, player and most recently assistant coach, has been elevated to head coach of the Paris Junior College men's basketball program.
Hodge replaces Bill Foy, who is leaving after 11 seasons to become assistant coach at the University of North Texas.
PJC Athletic Director Dr. Jim Moffitt made the announcement Wednesday. "Ross has had eight years of experience as a college player and assistant coach and I'm excited for him and for the PJC basketball program," Moffitt said.
Hodge, who returned to Paris Junior College last year as assistant coach after spending two years as assistant at Texas A&M University-Commerce, said he is very excited and thankful for the opportunity to coach the Dragons.
"I appreciate Dr. (Pamela) Anglin and Dr. Moffitt for placing their trust in me," Hodge said. "This is a great college, and community and I'm looking forward to this new challenge."
As assistant coach last season, Hodge helped Foy lead the Dragons to the NJCAA Region XIV conference championship (18-4 record) while posting a 24-7 season record.
The new head coach is very familiar with PJC and its surroundings. He spent three years as a student/athlete at PJC, the first as a red-shirt freshman, and then two years as a guard on the Dragons basketball team that won 20 games each season and advanced to the post-season tournament.
Hodge was named Mr. PJC and won the Walters Cup in 2001 as the student/athlete with the highest grade point average. He was also named to "Who's Who Among Junior Colleges."
He continued his basketball and academic career at Texas A&M University-Commerce where he played guard for the Lions for two seasons. During his career with the Lions, he was named All-Conference, broke the university's season record for assists and was second in the nation in NCAA Division II assists.
A native of Seagoville, Hodge was not only active on the basketball court at A&M-Commerce, but also took leadership in the classroom and on campus. He won the Terry Allen Award for leadership in community service and was named to the President's List of honor students.
During his tenure as assistant to Coach Sam Walker at A&M-Commerce, the Lions posted a 41-19 record, won the Lone Star Conference and post-season tournament and advanced to the Division II Region II Sweet 16.
Hodge earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Texas A&M University-Commerce and taught kinesiology at the university.
Hodge said he is looking forward to next season and an opportunity to continue the success that the Dragons have had through the years.
"We have a good nucleus of players returning for the 2006-2007 season," he said. "With the addition of some talented freshmen, I hope we can have another good season."