Mitchell names Bashant cross country coach

New London — Michael Bashant, a recent University of New Hampshire graduate, has been named head coach of the Mitchell College men's and women's cross country programs, interim athletic director Todd Peretz announced on Monday.

It will be the first head coaching job for Bashant, a native of Ballston Lake, N.Y., who was a three-year member of New Hampshire's cross country and indoor/outdoor track and field teams. The physics major was a three-time member of the America East Conference Academic honor roll.

"We are very excited to welcome Michael Bashant as our head men's and women's cross country coach," Peretz said in a release. "Michael is an outstanding hire for Mitchell College, and his passion for the sport and desire to continue building the program was evident in the hiring process. I know he will do an outstanding job with our current student-athletes, as well as in recruiting."

Bashant will immediately begin recruiting for the 2021 fall season while developing off-season practice sessions this spring.

"I'd like to thank Todd Peretz and Mitchell College for this opportunity," Bashant said. "I'm looking forward to the progression of the program and I am excited to begin taking steps towards our future goals."

College honors

• UConn point guard Paige Bueckers was named the Big East Freshman of the Week for the fifth time. Bueckers averaged 11.0 points, 7.5 assists, 6.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals in a home win over Butler and road victory over No. 25 Tennessee, including a key 3-pointer late in the No. 3 Huskies' 66-61 win over the Lady Vols. In addition, UConn junior Christyn Williams was named to the Big East weekly honor roll. The guard averaged 18.0 points, 3.7 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 2.0 steals in wins over Butler, Tennessee and Georgetown.