Collins Appointed As Merfeld Departs Hampton

(Hampton, Va.) - Hampton University has named Bobby Collins, 36, as its Interim Men's Basketball Coach, effective immediately. He will become the University's 14th head men's basketball coach replacing, Steve

Bobby Collins

Merfeld, who resigned yesterday to take a similar position at the University of Evansville.

Collins, who joined the Pirate family seven years ago, previously served as the Assistant Head Coach for the men's basketball team. Prior to his promotion, he was responsible for recruiting, handling admission and financial matters, preseason conditioning, academics and community relations.

Collins earned his bachelor's degree in business administration and management in 1989 from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), where he finished as a four-year letterman, earning Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) All Defensive honors all four years and was honorably mentioned All-OVC as a senior.

Following his collegiate career, Collins played professional basketball in Helsinki, Finland, during the 1989-90 season.

Collins' coaching career began as a restricted earnings coach with the Old Dominion Monarchs (1992-94). Under the leadership of former Monarch Head Coach, Jeff Capel, Collins aided the Monarchs to a Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) and a first round victory over Villanova University in the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament. Prior to his stint at ODU, Collins served as an admission's counselor at EKU from 1991-94.

The son of two non-denominational ministers, Collins is the youngest of 10 siblings. He is a native of Southern Pines, North Carolina, where he graduated from Pinecrest High School and helped his squad to an 18-5 and 20-4 overall record during his junior and senior seasons. In 1984, he earned All-State honors and was conference Player of the Year.

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