Haverland to Coach Radcliffe Cagers

Robert B. Watson, Director of Athletics, yesterday named Mark A. Haverland as head coach of the Radcliffe basketball team. The 29-year-old Haverland has been acting head coach for the squad since the dismissal of head coach John McCarthy two weeks ago.

A search committee comprised of Harvard coach Tom Sanders, Assistant Athletic Director Niki Janus, and Radcliffe co-captains Maude Wood and Sue Williams, was formed immediately to find a successor to McCarthy.

"We were at a disadvantage in that we didn't have time to look over several candidates," Watson said, "but I think highly of the choice and Mark seems to have the support of the players and an excellent knowledge of the game. He's demanding of them and they're learning a lot."

'Irreconcilable Differences'

Haverland moves up from his assistant coaching spot after what Watson termed "irreconcilable differences" between team members and McCarthy that led to McCarthy's dismissal. McCarthy will remain in the Athletic department in an administrative capacity.

Haverland, who played J.V. basketball in his undergraduate years at Princeton, said yesterday, "The women need a lot more basic fundamentals from coaching than the men but they all have a lot of talent and learn real fast so we should have a good season."

Co-captain Wood is pleased with the choice of Haverland, currently a third-year Divinity School student. "The team is satisfied with the decision," Wood said. "We want to be pushed really hard and Mark will do that."

The squad taps off its season Thursday night at the IAB, versus Wellesley.