Wilkes went 331-142 under Jerry Rickrode his first 18 seasons, but 51-49 his last four, including the only two losing seasons of his career. Wilkes athletic photo

After back-to-back seasons of 11-13 and 8-16, Wilkes men's coach Jerry Rickrode has stepped down and is moving to a position in the school's advancement office.

• More moves in Coaching Carousel

Effective March 24, Rickrode will become a major gifts officer.

The Colonels, who went to the 1998 Final Four and won 382 games under Rickrode, finished last and tied for last in the MAC's Freedom Conference over the past two seasons. Wilkes last made the NCAA Tournament in 2001, losing to Merchant Marine in the first round.

In announcing the change, Paul Adams, vice president for student affairs, said Rickrode's decision to pursue a new career direction – while a loss for the athletic program – will provide great opportunities for Wilkes in other ways.
 
"Coach Rickrode's career aspirations and his desire to spend more time with his family coincided with a need in our advancement department, so this is a win-win for everyone," Adams said. "Coach Rickrode has had a wonderful career at Wilkes and has shaped many young men on and off the basketball court and we look forward to all he will contribute to the university in this new endeavor."

During his time on the sideline at Wilkes, Rickrode led the Colonels to a 382-191 record, accumulating a winning percentage of .667. He also currently holds the Division III record for reaching the 200-win plateau the fastest, achieving the feat in his first 249 games.

In announcing his retirement from coaching, Rickrode expressed thanks to his family for their love and support. He also thanked members of the administration, past and present, singling out Wilkes alumnus and trustee emeritus Eugene Roth and former vice president for academic affairs Jim Rodechko, who both have been mentors. Rickrode also thanked his coaching staff and all his former players that helped mold the program into what it is today.
 
"I have been blessed to be able to coach a sport that I love at the college level for 29 years.  My 22 years as the head coach here has been an outstanding experience and I will forever be indebted to Wilkes University," Rickrode said. "I feel in some small way that our basketball program has played a positive role in the history of Wilkes.  I am very hopeful that I can continue to serve and make a contribution to our institution."

Arriving at Wilkes in 1992, Rickrode led the Colonels to 17 MAC and Freedom Conference playoff appearances, including 10 straight from 1992-2002. He also led the Colonels to five-straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including four Sweet Sixteens, three Elite Eights and one Final Four appearance during the most successful run in Wilkes men's basketball history.
 
During the 2000-01 season, Rickrode led Wilkes to a 23-3 record, the Freedom Conference championship, and the school's sixth berth in the NCAA Tournament in seven years. During the 1997-98 campaign the Colonels posted a 26-5 overall record, won the MAC title, and advanced to the Division III Final Four for the first time in school history. Both the 1995-96 team, which fashioned a 28-2 record, and the 1994-95 team advanced to the Division III Elite Eight. 

Under the guidance of Rickrode the Colonels also posted winning seasons in 20 of his 22 years as head coach, including seven campaigns in which they registered at least 20 wins.

While at Wilkes, Rickrode coached 38 all-conference performers; 11 All-ECAC players; six conference rookies of the year; and three-time conference most valuable player and the 2000-01 Jostens Division III National Player of the Year, Dave Jannuzzi. Six players and three teams under Rickrode's guidance have been inducted into the University's Athletic Hall of Fame.
 
Rickrode was honored by the National Association of Basketball Coaches as their Mid-Atlantic Regional Coach of the Year after the 2000-01, 1998-99, 1997-98 and 1995-96 seasons. Previously, he was named the Freedom coach of the year on three occasions, including 2000-01.