 The 44-year-old Champagne, who was honored by the NABC as South Region Coach of the Year in 2008, has been affiliated with 13 postseason tournament teams (nine NCAA, two NIT) during his 23-year collegiate coaching career.He came to UNA after one season as an assistant coach at the University of Texas-El Paso.In his first season at UNA, Champagne led the Lions to a 12–16 record that also included a berth in the 2004 GSC tournament.