Skyhawks first year head coach, Chris Kraus, makes first addition to coaching staff

EASTON, Mass. (August 12, 2013) – Stonehill College has announced that Sam Boynton has been named an assistant coach with the men's basketball program. The announcement was made by first year head coach Chris Kraus and confirmed by Brendan Sullivan, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at the College.

Boynton, a native of Windsor, Maine, returns to New England to join the Stonehill coaching staff after serving as director of basketball operations at Eastern Washington University for two seasons. He was working with NCSA Athletic Recruiting as head basketball scout since March. Prior to his time at Eastern Washington, Boynton spent two years as associate head coach at his alma mater, University of Maine Farmington.

"I am very excited to add Sam to our staff," said Kraus. "Sam is a tireless worker and embodies the selflessness and team-oriented values that we emphasize within our program. He brings a wide range of experience and will be a tremendous addition to our staff in all areas."

In his two years at Eastern Washington, Boynton oversaw the daily operations for the Eagles' Division I program that competes in the Big Sky Conference. He assisted the coaching staff with scouting, game planning and practice preparation. Boynton coordinated recruiting, NCAA compliance, academic advising, facility scheduling, team travel and film exchange for the team.

Boynton served as recruiting coordinator during his time with Maine-Farmington and also specialized in perimeter and guard development. His duties also included opponent scouting and the program captured its first-ever North Atlantic Conference championship and NCAA Division III Tournament win during the 2009-10 season.

Boynton was responsible for conducting recruiting analysis of high school student-athletes during his time with NCSA Athletic Recruiting. He has gained valuable camp and clinic experience, serving as director for individual camps, clinics and elite camps for potential recruits at Eastern Washington, while also working camps at Duke University, University of Florida, University of Tennessee, Syracuse University and Gonzaga University as well the Maine Red Claws of the NBA D-League.

Boynton is a 2010 graduate of Maine-Farmington, earning a Bachelor's Degree in secondary education, where he was a member of the basketball team for one season. He earned his Master's Degree in sports and recreation administration from Eastern Washington this spring.

Stonehill is coming off a 2012-13 season in which it posted an 11-15 record overall, including a 7-15 mark in Northeast-10 play. The Skyhawks open their 2013-14 season by hosting Saint Michael's College, Georgian Court University and Queens (N.Y.) College for a tip-off tournament Saturday and Sunday, November 9 and 10. Stonehill's season-opener against Georgian Court is November 9 at 7 p.m.

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