(FULTON, Mo., April 27)--William Woods University has announced the hiring of Nick Totta as head men's basketball coach.  Totta replaces Drew Grzella who resigned his position in March.

Totta served as head men's basketball coach at Avila University from 1999 to 2004.  During his time at Avila, Coach Totta produced 12 All-Conference players, one Heart of America Freshman and Newcomer of the Year, five academic All-HAAC players and two NAIA Scholar-Athletes.

Coach Totta's 2001-02 team produced 24 victories and the university's first NAIA Top 25 ranking.

Totta served as an assistant men's basketball coach at Avila from 1998-99 before taking the reigns as head coach.  Prior to Avila, Totta was the head boy's basketball coach at Canton High School (Canton, Mo.) from 1996-98.  At Canton High School, Totta led his team to the 1997 and 1998 District finals.  Canton was also Conference Co-Champions in 1997.

From 1990-96, Totta was an assistant men's basketball coach at Culver-Stockton College.  The Wildcats won the HAAC championship in 1991.

Coach Totta began his coaching career at White Rock High School (Burr Oak, Kan.).  Totta was the head boy's basketball coach from 1989-90.

"Coach Totta is a welcome addition to our staff," said William Woods Athletics Director Larry York. "He will attract and retain quality citizens, quality students, and quality players. He brings a wealth of experience to the position and we are looking forward to having him at the helm of our men's basketball team."