MAC Hires Greg Heiar To Coach Men’s Basketball Team

(St. Francois County) Mineral Area College has hired a new men’s basketball coach. According to MAC Athletic Director Jim Gerwitz, the Cardinals have hired former New Mexico State basketball coach Greg Heiar to take over for Luke Strege. Heiar, who is 47, was dismissed from New Mexico State in February following hazing allegations within the team that shut down the program for the season. Gerwitz said the hiring committee carefully considered the entirety of Coach Heiar’s college coaching career, contacted past administrators, and received overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding his ability to develop student-athletes, promote success both in the classroom and on the court, and create a championship culture that will provide a springboard for players to be successful at Mineral Area College and beyond. Gerwitz said, “Greg brings a wealth of knowledge on the court and off the court in recruiting, including having coached a NJCAA National Championship team.” Heiar said, “My family and I look forward to being a part of this great institution and community. Now it’s time to get started building a championship team!” The Aggies were 9-15 overall and 2-16 in the Western Athletic Conference when the season was stopped. Prior to that, Heiar was the NJCAA National Coach of the Year in 2022 after leading the Northwest Florida State College Raiders to an NJCAA Division One National Championship in 2022. Strege left MAC after 8 years with the school to become an assistant coach at Division 1 North Dakota State in Fargo.