| Todd Adrian coached Edgewood
into the second round of the NCAA Tournament this past
season. Edgewood athletics photo by John Maniaci |
Todd Adrian built a consistent winner at Edgewood, and now he'll take up a similar challenge in the state of Ohio. Adrian announced he will resign as Edgewood men's basketball head coach at the end of June to accept the same position at Otterbein. Adrian led the Eagles to a 97-65 record in six seasons including the first NCAA Tournament victory in school history last season.
Adrian will replace long time 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. Its last winning season was
2006-07.
“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 follow in the
footsteps of Coach (Steve) Larson and take the Eagles to another
level.”
“Todd has done an outstanding job as Edgewood College's men's
basketball coach and intramural director,” said athletic
director 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 NATHC 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'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.”
Edgewood will begin a search for a new head men's basketball coach
immediately.