David First was named an assistant coach for the St. Bonaventure University men's basketball team on May 29, 2003.

First, 38, spent the past seven years as head boys basketball coach at Tabor Academy in Marion, Mass. He led Tabor to four New England Prep School Athletic Council Class B championships and averaged 21 wins per year. Last season, Tabor finished 22-10 and won the New England title. The Seawolves were 27-5 in 2001-02 and spent 10 weeks ranked in USA Today's top 25 poll.

"I am excited to have David join the St. Bonaventure basketball program," said Solomon. "Dave brings a special balance and understanding to our staff. His strong teaching and communicating skills, plus his many contacts in the basketball community, will be an asset to our program and university."

"The opportunity, from my perspective, to join Coach Solomon's staff is a special one," said First. "His vision, values, experience and will to win have already inspired me. I am leaving a great program to join another great program."

At Tabor, First coached 10 players who went on to NCAA Division I scholarships. Chief among those players was center Torin Francis, who Solomon recruited to Notre Dame. Francis received the Morgan Wootten Award in 2001-02 as the McDonald's All-America National Player of the Year.

Since 2000, First served as president of the New England Basketball Association, a governing body that oversees basketball competition of more that 150 high schools and prep schools.

First also taught mathematics and calculus at Tabor and served as an advisor.

Prior to joining Tabor Academy, First was head coach at Princeton Day School in Princeton, N.J., from 1991-96. He led Princeton Day to four New Jersey Prep School League title games and two championships.

Combining his stints at Tabor and Princeton Day, First compiled a career record of 257-97.

First began his coaching career as an assistant at The Albany (N.Y.) Academy from 1988-91.

A native of Weston, Mass., First graduated from Union College in 1986 with a bachelor's degree in economics. He earned a master's degree in mathematics from Union in 1990.