Medaille alum docks at Maritime

More news about: Medaille | SUNY-Maritime
May 31, 2017
Michael Berkun spent three seasons as an associate head coach to Mike MacDonald (right) at Division II Daemen College. MacDonald coached Berkun at Medaille.
Daemen College athletics photo
SUNY-Maritime named Michael Berkun as its new head men's basketball coach. Berkun played and coached at Medaille on the other side of New York state.

Director of Athletics Kristofer Schnatz announced the hiring on Wednesday.

"We are extremely excited to have Coach Berkun come aboard," said Schnatz in the school's release. "He consistently impressed our staff with his passion and professionalism throughout the process. We are confident that he will have a positive impact on our student-athletes and the entire Privateer program."

Berkun played four seasons at Medaille and played in every game after his freshman season. He was part of the Mavericks' teams that made the NCAA Tournament in 2009 and 20010. He then served as an associate head coach at Medaille for four seasons before joining Medaille head coach Michael MacDonald in his move to Division II Daemen College three seasons ago.

"Having spent the last 11 years with Mike, I am confident that he is more than ready for this position," said MacDonald in Daemen's release. "He is organized and hard working, and he will be committed to his student-athletes.  He has helped our programs at both Medaille and Daemen win championships, and we are looking forward to watching him lead the Privateers to the top of the Skyline Conference."

MacDonald's son Patrick was second team All-Atlantic region for SUNY-Maritime as a 6-foot-8 junior center last season.

SUNY-Maritime finished 10-15, 5-11 in the Skyline under interim head coach Frank McQuail last season. It was the first time since 2009-10 that the Privateers won at least 10 games.