GARNER INVERVIEWS WITH COLORADO ST.

Southeast Missouri State University men's basketball coach Gary Garner is apparently one of the leading candidates to become the next coach at Colorado State.

The Southeast Missourian has learned -- and Southeast athletic director Don Kaverman has confirmed -- that Garner was in Fort Collins, Colo., Tuesday and Wednesday to interview for the vacant CSU post.

Garner, who was apparently en route back to Cape Girardeau late Wednesday, could not be reached for comment.

Kaverman said that he was recently contacted by CSU athletic director Tim Weiser, who asked for and received official permission to interview Garner. Weiser has declined to discuss the progress of his search for a new coach with the media.

According to Kaverman, he really wasn't surprised by Weiser's request. Garner's name has recently been mentioned regarding various other positions and Kaverman acknowledges that Garner is something of a hot commodity after leading the Indians to a 24-7 record and their first-ever NCAA Division I Tournament berth this year.

"Gary's name has been mentioned for a number of different positions so I'm not shocked," Kaverman said. "Gary has been very successful here and the more success he has, the more interest he'll attract. It's a credit to him and the job he's done."

Asked how concerned he is over possibly losing Garner, Kaverman said, "It always concerns you when your coach goes out and visits somewhere else. I think Gary is pretty happy here...I would assume we would sit down and talk when he gets back."

According to sources, Garner is either the first candidate or one of the first candidates to be interviewed by CSU officials. More candidates are expected to be interviewed over the next several days.

CSU has been without a head men's basketball coach since March 24, when Ritchie McKay resigned to become coach at Oregon State. McKay led the Rams to an 18-12 record and a fourth-place finish in the Mountain West Conference this year.

The Coloradoan newspaper of Fort Collins reported that about a dozen candidates had informal discussions with CSU officials late last week at the Final Four in Indianapolis. It is not known whether Garner was among that group.

One of those candidates who met with CSU officials at the Final Four, Mike Dunlap, recently withdrew his name from consideration, said the Coloradoan. Dunlap led Metro State to the NCAA Division II title this year.

Other possible candidates, according to the Coloradoan, are recently fired Air Force coach Reggie Minton, Appalachian State coach Buzz Peterson, CSU assistant Dale Layer, Colorado assistant Terry Dunn and Oklahoma assistant Ray Lopes.

The 56-year-old Garner, who recently completed his third season at Southeast, has a 58-29 record with the Indians and an overall mark of 306-192 in 17 seasons as a collegiate head coach.