| Rock Carter won 274 games in 21 seasons as Whittier College's head coach. Photo by Tony Leon, ActionWestPhotography.com |
Whittier College men's basketball coach Rock Carter announced that he will retire from his position at the end of this academic year. His assistant Mark Jensen will be the Poets' interim head coach through the 2017-18 season.
"This is just another step in continuing the growth and success of the Athletics Department," Carter explained in a release. "We have so many good things in place within the athletic department and I am excited that this piece has been added...Over the last couple of years we have discussed strategies and responsibilities that will take more time and energy that I couldn't give if I was coaching."
Carter spent 27 seasons on the Poets' coaching staff and spent the last 21 as their head coach during which he went 274-259. Carter, who previously served as the College's interim Athletic Director, will remain in his position as Senior Associate Athletic Director. Carter also served on the NCAA Division III men's basketball tournament selection committee as the West Region representative.
Carter will be replaced on an interim basis by his former player Mark Jensen who earned his bachelor's degree from Whittier in 2000 and his master's degree in 2007. Jensen served on Carter's staff as an assistant from 2007 through 2017.
Whittier finished 11-13, 6-10 in the SCIAC last season