George "Butch" Mardigan, the former Watervliet High School basketball coach who is Section II's all-time leader in career wins with 544, was there at Bishop Maginn High School today to lend support. So were former Watervliet stars Brian Fruscio and Andre Cook.

They were there to watch Orlando, "Orlie" DiBacco take over as the new Bishop Maginn basketball coach, replacing Rich Hurley, who stepped down after winning two Section II Class AA titles and one state crown. Hurley wanted to devote more time to his family and to pursue additional educational opportunities.

DiBacco played point guard for Mardigan and graduated from Watervliet in 1987. After competing for Utica College, he began his coaching career as a JV coach. He spent five years working for Fruscio at La Salle and has spent the last five years working for Hurley at Maginn. DiBacco has won five Big 10 JV titles in the last decade.

He takes over a program that has become one of the best in Section II, but graduation losses will present a big challenge.

DiBacco says he doesn't plan on changing the team's philosophy. There will be plenty of pressure defense and up-tempo offense for the Golden Griffins.

Mardigan put his stamp of approval on the coaching choice. "He's a good man. I have complete confidence in him," he said.