DEMOREST, Georgia – The Piedmont College Department of Athletics has announced the hiring of Mark Bollinger as the school's new head men's basketball coach.  Bollinger comes to PC after a four-year stint as an assistant coach at Ohio Wesleyan University. 

OWU is fresh off an impressive 20-8 campaign in 2011-12 that saw the Battling Bishops earn a trip to the NCAA Division III Tournament. After dropping their season-opener, OWU reeled off 11 straight wins marking the school's best start to a season since 1933.

In his four seasons on the OWU bench, the team posted a 66-40 record including a 44-20 mark in the North Coast Athletic Conference. 

Prior to his time at OWU, the Marion, Ohio native served eight seasons as head boys basketball coach at River Valley High School in his hometown.  He guided River Valley to the school's first Sweet 16 appearance in 32 seasons, along with a district title, a district runner-up finish, 4 sectional crowns, and 2 league titles.  Bollinger was named Ohio Coach of the Year by the Associated Press, and was selected Central District and District 11 Coach of the Year. He also coached in a pair of Ohio North-South all-star games.

Bollinger is a 1993 graduate of the University of Toledo. He continued his education by earning a master's degree in education from The Ohio State University in 1997.  He and his wife Melissa will be relocating to the northeast Georgia mountains with their three sons - Bryce (12), Carson (10) and Weston (3 months).

“We are very pleased to have Mark Bollinger accept our position as head men's basketball coach at Piedmont College. Mark brings a solid coaching background and winning tradition, coupled with a great understanding of the Division III philosophy.  We are excited to have Mark and his family join our team at Piedmont” stated PC Athletic Director John Dzik.

"I am thrilled for the opportunity to lead the Piedmont basketball program.  My family and I are grateful to Mr. Dzik and the search committee for trusting in me to be the next coach of the Lions.  My coaching staff is going to work relentlessly to make sure our young men win on the court, in the classroom, and in the community," stated Bollinger.

Bollinger becomes the school's seventh head coach since the sport was re-instated in 1940 and takes the reins from former head coach Lee Glenn after he accepted a new position as the school's Assistant Athletic Director for Communications.