Cal Poly names Callero new hoops coach

Apr 4, 2009 - 12:52 AM SAN LUIS OBISPO, California (Ticker) -- Joe Callero was named the new men's basketball at Cal Poly on Friday.

Callero comes to the Mustangs after a successful eight-year stint with Seattle University, transitioning the school back to Division I this season.

Under Callero, Seattle went 21-8 during a partial Division I schedule, beating Cal Poly and fellow Big West member UC Irvine on the road. He finished with a 117-105 record with the Redhawks.

"Joe has experience building programs in an academic environment similar to Cal Poly's," athletic director Alison Cone said. "He understands the potential of basketball at Cal Poly and has the energy and passion to help us achieve that potential."

Callero will have another rebuilding task at hand after Cal Poly went 7-21 this season - its fourth campaign in the last five years with at least 18 losses.

"The opportunity at Cal Poly is a real dream come true," Callero said. "Living and working in a college town will be a unique experience.

"I'm looking forward to the parade downtown when we make it to the dance."

Cal Poly has never made the NCAA Tournament.

A former player at Central Washington, Callero owns a career record of 139-130, including a two-year stint with the University of Puget Sound.