Scheffler Rejoins SPU Men's Hoop Staff
July 2, 2003

SEATTLE (July 2) - Ben Scheffler has rejoined the Seattle Pacific University men's basketball coaching staff, having been named the top assistant to Jeff Hironaka.

Scheffler, a former player and SPU graduate, replaces Keith Cooper, who left after one season to become head coach at Saint Martin's College.

Originally, Scheffler was a part-time assistant to Ken Bone from 1998-2001.

The Falcons reached the playoffs each of those three seasons, including a run to the 2000 NCAA Division II Final Four. Overall, seven of the eight SPU teams with which Scheffler was associated made the NCAA tournament.

Most recently Scheffler was a volunteer assistant at Washington during the 2001-02 season. He spent much of the past year in England, serving as a part-time assistant to the Hackney White Heat, a second division professional team in London, coached by the late Joe White.

A backcourt mainstay during his playing days, Scheffler started 86 games during his four full seasons at SPU from 1994-98. He played in six NCAA tournament games and served as team co-captain for two seasons. A tenacious defender and emotional player, he was voted most inspirational three times. Scheffler was a two-time academic all-conference pick, led the team in assists as a junior and finished No. 6 in career steals.

Scheffler is a 1992 graduate of Seattle's Roosevelt High School and attended St. Thomas More prep school in Oakdale, Ct., in 1992-93. He is married to Cara, also an SPU alum.