Jay Feaster '84

Having a passion for hockey and being a student of the game can take you far in the sport, even if you don't have playing experience. Just ask Jay Feaster '84, who was recently named the fourth general manager in the history of the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning.

For the past three years, Feaster had served as assistant general manager of the American Hockey League's Hershey Bears, dealing primarily with player contracts. As general manager, he will oversee every aspect of the hockey team's operations including player acquisitions and development, minor league affiliations, and the scouting and coaching staff.

Feaster's road into the world of professional hockey began shortly after Susquehanna. He graduated with a law degree from Georgetown Law School in 1987 and began work with the law firm of McNees, Wallace and Nurick in Harrisburg. His role at MW&N required significant involvement with the Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company (HERCO) which he parlayed into a job as the assistant to the president in 1989.

After a year, his path to the NHL would begin as he accepted the general manager position of the Hershey Bears. He held that post from 1990 to 1996 and also served as president of the team from 1995 to 1998. His accomplishments include setting four single-season attendance records between 1992 and 1995, winning the AHL championship in 1997, being named AHL Executive of the Year that same year, and orchestrating an affiliation agreement between the Bears and the NHL's Colorado Avalanche.

Feaster's current role has expanded his duties significantly and for this enthusiastic sports fan, this is a dream come true. "I am both humbled and excited by this opportunity and look forward to helping build and shape our club into a long-term contender."

James Varghese '03

Bill Muir '65: New Buccaneer Offensive Line Coach

Bill Muir '65

The next time you're watching football on TV and Tampa Bay comes on the field, keep a close eye on the sidelines for Bill Muir '65, who was recently hired by the Buccaneers to serve as their offensive line coach.

Muir was hired away from the N.Y. Jets after seven years with that organization, including six consecutive years of 1,000-yard rushers. This past year, while working with what many insiders considered to be at best, an average talent level, his line allowed the second fewest sacks in the league and launched the fourth best rushing attack in the league.

After graduating from Susquehanna in 1965 with a degree in English, Muir began his coaching career with SU football as an assistant line coach. He went on to coach at Delaware Valley College before working through several pro leagues including the Continental Football League and the World Football League.

Muir broke into the NFL as a scout in 1978 with the same Buccaneers. He got his first coaching assistant job with the Patriots in 1982 and has since worked with the Lions, Colts, Eagles, and most recently for the Jets before coming full circle by accepting his new position with Tampa Bay.

This upcoming year, Muir hopes to work with the revamped Buccaneers team alongside new head coach Jon Gruden. He admits that, "I've been doing this for a long time and I'm as excited about this situation as any I've ever been in."

With Muir's league wide reputation as a thinker and motivator, the next time you see him strolling the sidelines on TV, it just might be at the Super Bowl.

James Varghese '03

Alumni Weekend Event to Honor Winningest Coach

Susquehanna University women's basketball alumni and friends will gather on Alumni Weekend to honor head coach Mark Hribar who resigned in late March after completing his 15th season with the Crusaders.

Hribar compiled a 237-139 record (.630) at Susquehanna and was the winningest coach - men's or women's - in school history.

"It's been a great run and we've had some great players come through the program," said Hribar. "I am thankful for the opportunity afforded to me over the years by Susquehanna, but I just don't have as much energy to do things as they need to be done."

Working strictly on a part-time basis, Hribar guided the Crusaders to 13 consecutive winning seasons from 1988-89 through 2000-01, 11 trips to the Middle Atlantic Conference playoffs and four NCAA Division III playoff berths.

The event will be held in the Apple Community Room of the James W. Garrett Sports Complex on Friday, May 31, beginning at 8 p.m.

For more information about the event, please contact The Office of Alumni Relations at 570-372-4115 or e-mail to alumni@susqu.edu.