University of Virginia Library

Digger Inks

Replacing veteran John Dec,
who resigned recently to devote
more time to his law practice,
Richard "Digger" Phelps signed
Tuesday to head the Notre Dame
basketball program, starting next
year.

Phelps, distinguished for his fine
career as assistant coach and top
recruiter at the University of
Pennsylvania, gained prominence as
a coach this year, when he led
Fordham to a berth in the NCAA
tournament, in which his charges
fought to third place in the Eastern
Regional.

Dee was also highly respected
and resurrected the Fighting Irish's
program during his tenure.