Keith Cieplicki sat at an April 30 press conference, preaching about restoring the Syracuse women’s basketball program through vigorous recruiting. Nearly four months later, he’s sitting comfortably on a leather couch in his new office. As he peers around, he smiles, then chuckles.

‘It’s pretty, isn’t it?’ he says.

Cieplicki can appreciate it. After spending six seasons in the obscurity of Vermont, he sees the comforts of a larger facility, staff, weight room and – coming from the 3,228 capacity Patrick Gym to a 9,500 capacity Manley Field House – a grander venue.

‘To be honest, there’s no comparison between here and Vermont,’ Cieplicki said. ‘Part of the reason I was so attracted to Syracuse is because I think there’s a commitment to winning here. The people here understand what it takes to win. I’m not a big fan of excuses. The resources here are enough to win.’

For SU’s first 19 years, the program compiled a 264-152 record. But for the past 10 years, under the guidance of Marianna Freeman, Syracuse went 105-201. Cieplicki is looking to resurrect a program mired in losing.

At Vermont, Cieplicki went 127-63, became the programs all-time winningest coach and collected three America East Conference Championships.

In Syracuse, he inherits a program that has three total NCAA appearances.

‘There’s no one more impatient than me,’ Cieplicki said. ‘I like to win. I like to win now. As long as we win, I’m very nice and very happy. We’re creatures of habit. We have to create a winning habit here so we can change this thing around.’

Cieplicki embarked on that goal this summer by hiring three new assistant coaches. Matt Luneau, an assistant under Cieplicki at Vermont, Morgan Hall, who just finished her playing career at Vermont, and Mandy Ronay, an assistant at Cieplicki’s alma mater WIlliam & Mary, have formed the new Syracuse staff.

After Cieplicki moved into his Syracuse home he trekked on a road trip July 8 to July 31, an open period for recruiting. His late hire was viewed as a recruiting disadvantage by some, but because coaches look at younger and younger players, Cieplicki said the problem wasn’t as big.

‘This isn’t like you’re gonna walk in and have a quick fix,’ Cieplicki said. ‘I’m recruiting for 2004, 2005 and 2006. I have a plan to make this program a consistent winner.’

The men’s basketball team’s championship extended Syracuse’s name visibility, too. Athletes recognize the name and would be immediately interested, Cieplicki said.

Many players he began recruiting will not be pursued at Syracuse, largely because of the difference between the Big East and the America East Conference. However, he said, there will be some overlap.

Cieplicki didn’t talk to Freeman before he left, and he hasn’t talked to his players, either. He plans on meeting with them early next week to explain what he’s expecting. He also is beginning practices in groups of four, the maximum number of players the NCAA permits.

‘There’s no question that my goal is to turn this thing around as quickly as possible,’ Cieplicki said. ‘I want to teach these girls how to win and how to live their lives 24 hours a day.’

Published on August 25, 2003 at 12:00 pm