Head Coach Bernie Love directs Kwantlen Eagles Mark Dabrowski and Varinder Singh during a game January 15, 2011.
For immediate release
January 31, 2011
Coach Love steps down from Kwantlen Men’s Basketball
(METRO VANCOUVER)—Kwantlen Polytechnic University Men’s Basketball head coach, Bernie Love, has decided to make the 2010-2011 season his last one.
Love, who has spent nine of the past 12 years directing the men’s basketball bench in the Eagles nest, announced his resignation on Wednesday, January 26, effective at the end of the current season.
Love first joined the Eagles program in 1999, its inaugural year, and held the head coach position for five seasons. After a brief leave, Love returned as the Eagles’ head coach in 2007 and has held the position for the past four seasons. Love said the Eagles record (1-11) with six league games remaining, didn’t play a role in his decision, and that his departure from the role is due to personal reasons.
“This is solely a positive life decision and one that I am really excited about and looking forward to.” said Love. "It was by no means easy but one that I am at ease and completely comfortable with."
Even though coach Love didn’t accomplish his goal to win a provincial championship, Love said he is proud of his time at Kwantlen, and looks forward to the new challenges ahead.
"Kwantlen always has and always will hold a special place in my heart. Although I wasn't able to accomplish what I wanted on the court, the friendships I have made on and off the court and the relationships that I have garnered with all my players, present and past, will be with me for the rest of my life. I haven’t retired from coaching but I will be taking some time away. I am looking forward to being back on the sideline someday."
“Bernie has invested almost a decade into the Eagles program, and his passion for Kwantlen basketball will always be remembered,” said Elise Le Brun, director of athletics and recreation. “We wish him all the best for the future.”
With Love’s departure, Eagles Athletics is looking for head coach candidates, who are qualified and bring experience to coaching high level university basketball. “We’re looking for a passionate, hard-working leader who is committed to providing a holistic student-athlete experience”, said director of athletics and recreation, Elise Le Brun. “We hope to have a successful candidate selected by the beginning of March”. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the Kwantlen Eagles Athletics website at: kpu.ca/athletics
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For more information about this story, contact:
Elise Le Brun
Director, Athletics
Tel: 604.599.2005
elise.lebrun@kwantlen.ca
OR
For more information about Kwantlen, contact:
Joanne Saunders
Director, Marketing & Communications
Tel: 604.599.2243
joanne.saunders@kwantlen.ca