MADISON, Wis. – Todd Adrian built a consistent winner at Edgewood College, and now he'll take up a similar challenge in the state of Ohio. Adrian announced he will resign as Edgewood College men's basketball head coach at the end of June to accept the same position at Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio. Adrian led the Eagles to a 97-65 record in six seasons including the first NCAA Tournament victory in school history last season.
"I'd like to thank Dr. Carey, Dr. Flanagan, Al Brisack and the entire Edgewood College athletics staff for all the support they've given my family for the past six years," said Adrian. "We are excited about the opportunity and challenge that we have ahead of us, but this was one of the hardest decisions we've ever had to make. We are very pleased with what we've been able to accomplish at Edgewood College. I especially want to thank our players, our coaching staff and their families for the most memorable six years of my life. It's been an honor to take the Eagles to another level."
"Todd has done an outstanding job as Edgewood College's men's basketball coach and intramural director," said Director of Athletics Al Brisack. "We could not have asked for a better successor to Steve Larson. I know this was a difficult decision for Todd and [his wife] Jennie. The Adrian's are a part of the Eagle athletic family and always will be. We will certainly miss them and Otterbein will benefit from their hire."
Adrian took over for longtime head coach Larson in 2006-07, led the Eagles to an 18-8 record and a spot in the inaugural Northern Athletics Conference Tournament title game. Edgewood College went 38-40 over the next three seasons, until a deep, veteran squad emerged in 2010-11. The Eagles went 18-10 that season, but again fell in the NAC Tournament title game.
The 2011-12 squad finally broke through winning the Northern Athletics Conference title game in front of a packed Edgedome and advanced to their first NCAA Division III Tournament since 2005. Paired against No. 17 UW-River Falls on the Falcons' home floor in the first round, the Eagles delivered a stunning 75-67 upset. Edgewood College's season ended at 23-7 after a second round loss to No. 24 Wheaton College 73-62 on the following night.
"The Eagle men's basketball program is in excellent shape," noted Brisack. "The 2011-12 season was outstanding in every way. Our returning players, committed recruits and strong alumni support will undoubtedly allow the next coach to continue our momentum. It is a very exciting time for this program."
At Otterbein College, Adrian will replace long time head coach and athletics director Dick Reynolds who retired following 2011-12, his 40th season as the Cardinals' head coach. Reynolds won 653 games and guided the Cardinals to the 2002 NCAA Division III National Championship. Otterbein is coming off a 9-17 season and an eighth place finish in the Ohio Athletic Conference.
Edgewood College will begin a search for a new head men's basketball coach immediately. Applications are currently being accepted and the College expects to have a new head coach in place by July 9. Interested applicants should apply through Edgewood College's Human Resource site at http://www.edgewood.edu/Employment.aspx.