Head coach Steve Shields has announced Ted Crass as the program’s new assistant coach. Crass spent the 2013-14 season as the program’s Director of Basketball operations following five years as a player and student manager for the Trojans.
“I’m extremely excited to move Teddy into a coaching and recruiting position,” said Shields. “He is going into his seventh year with our program and is one of the most loyal people I’ve ever been around. I’ve seen him in a number of different positions – as a manger, player and Director of Basketball Operations – all of which have seen him have success. His work ethic and enthusiasm are second to none, and he’s mature beyond his years. I believe he’s just getting started in what will be an outstanding career as a coach.”
Crass first joined Shields’ staff as a student manager prior to the start of the 2008-09 season, serving three-plus years in that role before joining the roster midseason in 2011-12. He suited up as a player for the first time at Middle Tennessee on Feb. 11, 2012 and saw the first game action of his career against Florida International just five days later.
“I am honored to get the opportunity to work for coach Shields,” said Crass. “He and UALR have been great to me and I hope I can return the favor. I am very passionate about this program and this city. I plan to use that passion everyday as we continue to build on the success coach Shields has had.”
The lone senior on the 2012-13 roster, Crass was elected team captain by his teammates and appeared in 16 games with one start. He played a career-high 13 minutes against St. Gregory’s on Dec. 4, 2013, scoring four points on 2-of-5 shooting and grabbing three rebounds. Crass earned his only career start against in-state rival Arkansas State on March 2, 2013 and totaled one steal in three minutes of action.
As Director of Basketball Operations, his duties included overseeing student-athlete academics and living arrangements, team travel accommodations, video exchange and working as the liaison between the team and community outreach programs.
A native of Little Rock, Crass played two seasons at Little Rock Central HS under head coach Oliver Fitzpatrick, earning a letter as a sophomore. He graduated from UALR in May 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in speech communications.
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