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March 23, 2001 |
Contact: Richard
L. Cameron |
MERCER WOMEN'S BASKETBALL COACH RESIGNS
Mercer head women's basketball coach Billy Holmes announced his resignation today, according to Athletic Director Bobby Pope. Holmes, who just completed his seventh season with the Bears, has a career record of 76-118 at Mercer.
Holmes has coached a total of 32 years, 22 at the collegiate level. He met with his team, who finished the 2000-2001 season at 6-23, earlier today to tell them the news. "These are really good kids," Holmes said. "They never quit this year. We nearly beat the two best teams in the TAAC in the last week of the season. Their future here is bright."
He cited the recent struggles of his women's team combined with a need to be closer to his family as reasons for his departure. "Mercer University and Bobby Pope have given me every opportunity to succeed," he said. "Bobby has been excellent to work for and very supportive, and I have nothing but great things to say about my time here. However, we have struggled recently, and I felt it was time for a change. Plus, my wife, children, grandchildren and my 82-year-old mother live in Louisiana, and it is time to be closer to them."
Holmes said he has 10 years of coaching experience in the Louisiana system and would like to coach another couple of years there before retiring.
Pope expressed his appreciation for Holmes' effort in his years here. "On behalf of the University, I want to thank Billy for his hard work and wish him the best of success in his future endeavors."
Pope said a search would begin immediately to secure a new head women's basketball coach.
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