COLLEGE PARK, Md. - University of Maryland gymnastics head coach Bob Nelligan has culminated his remarkable career by securing yet another prestigious honor, having been named 2009 NCAA Division I Southeast Region Coach of the Year.

Nelligan, who will retire June 1 following a 31-year coaching career at Maryland, was presented with the award at the recently-held National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches' annual convention in Seattle, Wash. The honor was awarded by virtue of a vote by head coaches from teams representing the Southeast Region.

Nelligan also garnered East Atlantic Gymnastics League Coach of the Year honors following the conclusion of this past season, which saw his team secure a berth in the National Collegiate Women's Gymnastics Regional Championships. During the 2009 season, Nelligan and his staff of associate head coach Brett Nelligan and assistant coach Vicki Chliszczyk led the Terrapins to their first Top 25 national ranking since 2005, as well as their best team score (195.100) in nearly four years.

"I am truly flattered to be the recipient of this honor, but I must tip my cap to our team," Nelligan said. "This is a testament to the hard work, determination and heart they demonstrated throughout the season, and I am extremely proud of each and every one of our gymnasts."

For Nelligan, the award marks the second such nomination of his career. The longtime leader of the Terrapins also earned 1999 Southeast Region Coach of the Year honors after guiding his squad to a career-best 29 victories that season.

Nelligan, the face of Maryland gymnastics since 1979, finishes his remarkable career with 493 victories, 19 winning regular seasons and 19 regional appearances. He is being replaced by his son, Brett Nelligan, who also has served as the team's recruiting coordinator the past three years. Bob Nelligan's daughter, Kelsey Nelligan, was the lone senior on the 2009 gymnastics squad.

Affectionately referred to as `Duke,' Nelligan has garnered the respect of his colleagues at Maryland and nationwide, and he is recognized as one of the top gymnastics coaches in the country. Nelligan has developed a reputation for his caring, passionate nature and his devotion to the sport of gymnastics. He commenced his career in College Park at age 28, and currently represents the longest-tenured head coach at Maryland.

In addition to their many accomplishments in the gym, the Terps have performed exceptionally in the classroom under Nelligan. The Maryland gymnastics squad has won the President's Cup Team GPA Award nine times during the 13-year existence of the award. This year's team received recognition for its outstanding participation in the CHAMPS/Lifeskills Cup program, which honors excellence in academics, athletics, career development, personal development and community service.

Despite his retirement in two weeks, Nelligan intends to remain a proud supporter and advocate of the Maryland gymnastics program.

Bob Nelligan's Career Highlights
• 31 Seasons (1979-2009)
• 493 Victories
• 19 Winning regular seasons
• 19 NCAA Regional appearances
• 2009 Southeast Region Coach of the Year
• 2009 East Atlantic Gymnastics League Coach of the Year
• 1999 Southeast Region Coach of the Year
• 1999 East Atlantic Gymnastics League Coach of the Year