DE QUEEN, Ark - University of Arkansas-Cossatot hosted a virtual Zoom press conference Wednesday to introduce Robert Byrd as the college's new men's and women's basketball coach and athletic director.
"We were looking for a talented player's coach and that is what we found in Coach Byrd," said Dr. Steve Cole, the chancellor.
Byrd recently completed his second year as an assistant coach for the University of St. Thomas, in Houston, Texas. Last season, the Celts finished 24-2 overall and 16-2 in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference to win the regular-season championship. The Celts were ineligible for postseason play due to their move from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics to the National Collegiate Athletic Association. The Celts won their first-round game in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 National Tournament. After their first game, the tournament was canceled due to COVID-19 concerns.
"I want to thank God, my family, and Dr. Cole for this opportunity," Byrd said. "I am excited about athletics at UA-Cossatot and I am looking forward to getting started. I am excited about building relationships. It is important to me to help the players at UA-Cossatot on and off the court in basketball, in academics, and in life."
Byrd is set to begin this summer. The Colts and Lady Colt tryouts will be announced on a later date. For more information, Byrd can be contacted by email at [email protected]