PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) athletics department countdown continues with the hiring of men's basketball head coach Bobby Collins and women's volleyball head coach Toby Rens. Both men look to bring their respective programs back to glory.

On April 8^th, Collins, who has led teams to conference championships and postseason appearances, was named the new men's basketball head coach after leading Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) to three consecutive National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II berths (2011-13).

Prior to WSSU, he coached Hampton University for four seasons. During his tenure, Collins was named 2005 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Coach of the Year. The following season, his team won the MEAC Tournament, earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

"It feels like I'm coming home, professionally," said Collins during his press conference in April. "I'm looking forward to the challenge of re-engaging with some of my old friends and rivals in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference."

A little over a month later, Rens returned to the Hawks after leaving the program in 2004. The architect of the success experienced by UMES Volleyball over the past decade can really be credited to Rens. In his first stint, he led the squad to back-to-back 20 win seasons and named 2002 MEAC Coach of the Year.

"This will be an exciting and thrilling journey as we prepare for a successful future," said Rens. "This is a terrific opportunity and I am honored to lead the program to the next level."

2013-14 UMES Top Moment Countdown Schedule

Moment #1: Friday, August 29

Moment #2: Thursday, August 28

Moment #3: Wednesday, August 27

Moment #4: Tuesday, August 26

Moment #5: Monday, August 25

Moment #6: Friday, August 22

Moment #7: Thursday, August 21

Moment #8: Wednesday, August 20

Moment #9: Tuesday, August 19

Moment #10: Monday, August 18

Moment #11: Friday, August 15

Moment #12: Thursday, August 14

Moment #13: Wednesday, August 13

Moment #14: COLLINS & RENS ERAS BEGIN

Moment #15: SOFTBALL MAKES ESPN DEBUT

The 2013-14 UMES athletic season was a memorable one filled with incredible moments, championship performances and individual achievements on and off the playing field. To make way for the 2014-15 season, UMES athletics will count down 15 top moments from a year ago, based on subjective opinion by UMES administrative staff, coaches and student-athletes. The list not only recognizes academic commitment and winning, but also the spirit and pride infused into the campus. A new moment will be revealed each weekday, counting down to the start of competition for the year on Friday, August 29th.

For complete recaps, results and news of Hawk athletics, please visit www.umeshawks.com.