By Mike Lehman, Sports Information Coordinator

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. - The Tennessee Tech men's basketball team welcomed its newest member of the staff recently as former Chapel Hill High School coach Gus Fraley joined the Golden Eagles as the director of basketball operations.

"It means a lot and I'm excited to join the Tennessee Tech family," said Fraley. "I'm looking forward to a new start and the this upcoming season with our guys. I'm excited to be a part of this family atmosphere that I've heard so many things about and been able to experience these past couple of weeks."

Fraley, a native of Fayetteville, Tenn., spent the past year as the director of player personnel at Ohio Valley Conference rival Tennessee State. Prior to his time at TSU, he spent four seasons as the assistant boy's basketball coach at Chapel Hill High School in North Carolina.  

As the director of operations, Fraley's primary responsibilities will include all film production, acquisition, and exchange, as well as the coordination of travel. He will also assist with the day-to-day operations of the program. 

"My experience here so far has been amazing," Fraley added. "I love Cookeville and love the small-town family atmosphere that is similar to the town I grew up in. I'm so thankful for being here and for those who had a part in bringing me here."

Fraley joined the CHHS staff while still an undergrad at UNC and was part of a coaching staff at CHHS that turned around a struggling program. He helped the Tigers to a pair of conference titles. In 2011-12 the Tigers posted a 26-2 record and ranked No. 1 in Class AAA in North Carolina during the regular season. In 2010-11, Fraley was part of the program that made an apperance in the state semi-finals.  

"We're extremely excited to add Gus to our staff," said Tech head coach Steve Payne. "Having another Tennessee guy here that has the connections and foundation that he has in the area, especially in middle Tennessee, is invaluable to us. He'll bring a lot to our program in terms of his energy level and his organizational skills."

His duties with Chapel Hill included scouting, strength and conditioning, guard/perimeter player development, and organizational aspects for the program. He was also the junior varsity head coach.  

While also in North Carolina, Fraley served as an off-season skill development instructor for college and professional players. He provided fast paced, on-court NBA style individual workouts and skill sessions to players. Fraley also brings numerous camp and clinic teaching experience over the past five years.

"We're just extremely excited and looking forward to his impact on our academic side of the program as well as the player relations side of it," added Payne. "I think he's very well equipped to step in right away and make an impact on our program."

Fraley graduated from the University of North Carolina in June 2011 with a degree in communications.