PHILADELPHIA (November 11) -- George Phillips, who has served in the position of

assistant track and field coach at Temple University for the past 15

years, has been elevated to the head coaching position for both the

men's and women's teams, it was announced today by Director of Athletics

Dave O'Brien.

Phillips, 50, replaces veteran head coach Chuck Alexander, who retired

from the position after 21 seasons in early October. Under Alexander for

the past 15 seasons, Phillips coached the Owl sprinters and hurdlers in

addition to coordinating the recruiting program. Coach Phillips serves

as a full time physical education instructor at William Penn High School

in Philadelphia.

A 1975 graduate of Temple University, Phillips competed in track and

field for the Owls as a high jumper and ran on the cross country team.

He was also a member of former Coach Don Casey's varsity basketball

team. He began his track and field coaching career at La Salle

University, where he served as the head coach between 1978 and 1983.

Phillips has also coached for the local Keystone Track Club for the past

18 years. He received his master's degree in health education from

Beaver College of Philadelphia in 1988.

A native of Philadelphia, Phillips lives in the city with his wife

Rosemary and three children, William, Kimberly and Christine.

Temple's new track and field coach has also announced his coaching

staff. Fourth-year assistant Frank Harwell, who formerly coached at West

Catholic High in Philadelphia will serve in the lead assistant's role,

while newcomers Glenda Truesdale and Mark Thomas will round out the Owl

staff.

The Owls' 1999-2000 indoor season opens at Bucknell on December 4 and

the outdoor campaign will get underway at the Penn Invitational on March

18.