Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, March 7, 1995 TAG: 9503070115
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RANDY KING STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Lou Kent, a veteran of 17 years as a college assistant, was selected by Beamer to fill the vacancy left by last month's loss of Phil Elmassian to the University of Washington.
Kent, 41, will handle Tech's defensive backs. The Washington, Pa., native has held similar roles at Kent, Cincinnati, Western Michigan, Kansas, Minnesota and Middle Tennessee State.
Elmassian coached the defensive backs in addition to being the Hokies' defensive coordinator.
Beamer announced earlier that veteran Tech assistants Bud Foster and Rod Sharpless will act as co-defensive coordinators. Foster will continue to coach the inside linebackers, while Sharpless will coach the outside linebackers.
Beamer was out of town Monday and unavailable for comment on West's hiring.
In a school release, Beamer said: ``Lou West brings a vast knowledge of the game to our staff. He has a good feel for the type things we try to do on defense. We look forward to working with him.''
West grew up in Niles, Ohio. He was a defensive backfield star at Cincinnati, from which he graduated in 1977.
The Tech staff begins its spring planning meetings today. Spring practice begins March 25 and concludes with the annual Orange-Maroon game on Saturday, April 25.
Memo: ***CORRECTION***