WORCESTER, Mass. – Clark head men's coach Paul Phillips announced his resignation effective Aug. 1, 2004. Phillips is leaving Clark to become dean of students at St. John's High School in Shrewsbury, Mass, where he taught and was a guidance counselor for 20 years.

“I am looking forward to the opportunity to return to St. John's HS and serve as an administrator," said Phillips. “I've had a great run here at Clark and to leave was not an easy decision. But, the opportunity to return to St. John's, a school that has always been very special to me means a lot.”

“Paul has been a wonderful representative of Clark during his tenure, not only in reestablishing the successful tradition associated with our basketball program, but in his commitment to community service,” said athletic director Linda Moulton. “Paul brings tremendous energy, enthusiasm, humor and an impeccable work ethic to everything he does. We are very fortunate to have had him for the past eight years and know that he will be remembered with great fondness. ... He will be missed by everyone in the Clark community.” She added that a search for Phillips' replacement will begin shortly.

Phillips directed the Cougars for the past eight years, leading his squads to the NCAA Tournament four times in five years. The Cougars made consecutive trips to the Elite Eight in 2001 and 2002 and also appeared in the 1999 and 2003 NCAA Tournaments. The Cougars won the NEWMAC title four times in the six-year history of the conference (1999, 2001, 2002 and 2003) and claimed tournament titles in 1999, 2001 and 2003. Phillips reached the 300-win plateau with an 80-76 win against conference opponent Wheaton (Mass.) on Jan. 13, 2004. In his eight years at Clark, he compiled a 140-76 record and overall he had a 307-173 record in 18 years as a head coach.

While at Anna Maria, Phillips built the men's basketball program into a regional contender, posting a 167-98 record in 10 years, including a trip to the Sweet 16 in 1996.