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| Maine Maritime athletics photo |
Maine Maritime men's basketball coach Chris Murphy has announced his decision to retire from coaching at the conclusion of the 2013-14 season after 22 seasons on sidelines in Castine.
Through Monday's play, Murphy's career mark for the Mariners stands at 180-307.
"For 22 years I have been fortunate to work at an extraordinary institution that prepares young men and women for very successful futures," said Murphy. "I have been able to work at something that I still wholeheartedly love and have had the opportunity to work with a significant number of quality young men.
"My biggest regret will be leaving this year's team. They are very young, and though they are struggling with the adjustment to playing at the collegiate level, have the best upside of any group I have had here in a long time. I still love and I still love where I coach but at the age of 64, I am no longer physically able to sustain the level of effort these players deserve. It is the right time for me to walk away."
"Coach Murphy's loyalty to, and passion for, Maine Maritime Academy is surpassed only by his dedication to developing young adults for a demanding profession," said athletic director Steve Peed. "He is one of the most honorable and likable coaches I have encountered in my 13 years of working in intercollegiate athletics, which is why he is an institution in Eastern Maine. I wish him well in the next chapter of his life, and hope he won't be a stranger in Smith Gymnasium."
Murphy led the Mariners to a North Atlantic Conference championship in 2000 and to the championship games in 2002 and 2003. He was named NAC Coach of the Year in 2002 and 2008.
Under Murphy's guidance, the Mariners have reached the NAC playoffs 10 times since the conference inaugural season in 2000. He has coached three NAC Players of the Year, eight All-NAC First Team selections, two All-Maine FIrst Team selections and one Maine Player of the Year. Two of his teams earned NCAA Division III rebounding titles and two former players went on to play professionally overseas.