May 2, 2002
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Samford University's basketball and football programs filled assistant coaching vacancies on Thursday, as Jimmy Tillette announced Mike Maker's addition to the men's basketball staff and Bill Gray added David Armstrong to the football staff.
Maker comes to Samford from Dartmouth University, where he served as an associate head coach since 1991. During his tenure with the Big Green, Maker coached several All-Ivy League players and national statistical leaders including: Greg Buth, the nation's leading three point shooter in 1998-99; Ian McGinnis, the nation's top rebounder in 1998-99; and Kenny Mitchell, the nation's leader in assists in 1996-97. Along with coaching duties, Maker also directed the Big Green's overall scouting system and served as recruiting coordinator.
Maker is a 1988 graduate of California Baptist College in Riverside, Calif., where as a player he earned Academic All-American honors and was a two-time team captain. He also holds a master's degree in education from Azusa Pacific University.
Armstrong is the former offensive coordinator and out-of-state recruiting coordinator for Copiah Lincoln Community College in Wesson, Miss. At CLCC, Armstrong coached all offensive skill positions and helped the team to a #13 ranking at one point in the 2001 season. He has served as coordinator on both sides of the ball and coached quarterbacks, running backs, defensive backs, and outside linebackers for a list of schools that includes Austin Peay State and Northeast Louisiana. As quarterback and fullback coach at APSU, the 1994 rushing offense finished sixth in the nation in rushing and set the school record with 3,408 yards. Then in 1995, APSU passed for the second-highest total in school history.
Armstrong will coach the quarterbacks and running backs for the Bulldogs, and offensive line coach Doug Meacham will serve as the offensive coordinator. Armstrong is a 1989 graduate of Western Kentucky, where he was a four-year letterman. As a junior, he quarterbacked the 1998 team to a 9-4 record and helped WKU advance to the quarterfinals of the NCAA I-AA Playoffs.
