Merfeld

The early December depature of assistant coach Steve Merfeld started the season on a strange note.

Missouri Valley Conference 2010

The early December depature of assistant coach Steve Merfeld started the season on a strange note.

Bradley - Team Notes 2010

"I think it is obvious that (Purdue's) size and strength wore us out," Evansville coach Steve Merfeld said.

USATODAY.com 2003

When Hampton approached Merfeld about taking over, race was never an issue.

USATODAY.com - Merfeld's hiring shows Hampton's color blind 2002

Hiring Merfeld has been a boon for the university known more for its academics than its athletic program.

USATODAY.com - Merfeld's hiring shows Hampton's color blind 2002

Merfeld didn't hear any adamant criticism when the school hired him.

USATODAY.com - Merfeld's hiring shows Hampton's color blind 2002

"Let me explain something," Thomas said Thursday as Merfeld directed his team through basic drills at MCI Center in preparation of the Pirates 'first-round tournament game against second-seeded UConn.

USATODAY.com - Merfeld's hiring shows Hampton's color blind 2002

Merfeld and Thomas credit Harvey, the school president, for making the resources required for a successful program available.

USATODAY.com - Merfeld's hiring shows Hampton's color blind 2002

While Merfeld didn't think twice about being a white coach at a black school, it is an anomaly.

USATODAY.com - Merfeld's hiring shows Hampton's color blind 2002

"I said when I got the job that it would be my own fault if we weren't successful," Merfeld said.

USATODAY.com - Merfeld's hiring shows Hampton's color blind 2002