June 4, 2003

CLEVELAND - Cleveland State head women's volleyball coach Chuck Voss announced Wednesday that he has hired Ernie Gilbert as his assistant coach. Gilbert joins the Viking staff after spending the previous eight seasons as an assistant coach at Tennessee Tech in Cookeville, Tenn.

While at Tennessee Tech, Gilbert helped direct the Golden Eagles to the 1997 Ohio Valley Conference championship and a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Tech's squads were ranked regionally by the American Volleyball Coaches Association every year from 1995-99 in addition to garnering the AVCA's Team Academic Award in 2001 and 1997.

A 1973 graduate of Ball State, Gilbert started his coaching career at Ohio State as an assistant under Jim Stone. After a stint as the head coach at Ohio Dominican, Gilbert moved on to assistant posts at Eastern Kentucky and Bowling Green before being named the head coach at Tennessee State in 1994.

"I am ecstatic to have Ernie join our family," said Voss. "He brings a great deal of experience and knowledge that will help enhance all aspects of our program."

In 2002, Voss directed Cleveland State to an 18-13 record -- the Vikings' best season since 1983.