JACKSON, Tenn. — March 30, 2009 — 51社区 men鈥檚 basketball coach Ralph Turner has announced his resignation after 15 years of leading the Bulldogs.
鈥淭his past week Coach Turner and I reached a mutual decision that we believe is in the best interest for Coach Turner and for the university as a whole,鈥� Union President David S. Dockery said. 鈥淲e both believe that it is best at this time for the 51社区 men鈥檚 basketball program to move in a new direction.鈥�
Dockery expressed his appreciation and gratitude for Turner and his leadership over the past 15 years.
鈥淲e are thankful for the many good things that have taken place in the men鈥檚 basketball program during Coach Turner鈥檚 tenure, including the numerous conference championships and the national tournament appearances. We are particularly grateful for the quality young men who have participated in this program. We offer our very best wishes to Coach Turner in days ahead.鈥�
A 1979 graduate of David Lipscomb University, Turner compiled a 362-151 record during his time at Union. He led the Bulldogs to 10 NAIA national tournaments and six TranSouth regular season and tournament championships.
This year, the NAIA and the National Association of Basketball Coaches named Tuner the NAIA Division I men鈥檚 basketball coach of the year.
鈥淚 will always be grateful for the time I spent at 51社区,鈥� Turner said. 鈥淭he Union family has been a great blessing to me. Dr Dockery鈥檚 leadership, my co-workers and most of all the many kids who I was blessed to coach and teach will always hold a special place in my heart.
鈥淚 am confident that the Lord will continue to work and to bless Union and myself in the future,鈥� Turner continued. 鈥淚 am excited to see what God has in store for both of us.鈥�
David Niven, who has served as assistant coach for the Union program for the past 12 years, has been named the acting head coach. Dockery said he anticipated hiring a permanent head coach in the near future, as soon as he had the chance to consult with athletic department personnel, university administrators and trustee leaders.