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| Allegheny athletics photo by Ed Mailliard |
Allegheny head men's basketball coach Jim Driggs has announced his resignation from the position after five years at the helm of the Gator program.
"It was a very tough decision," said Driggs, "and one that was predicated solely on family. I want to thank Allegheny College, athletic director Portia Hoeg, president Jim Mullen, and former dean of students Joe DiChristina for providing me with this great opportunity to work at one of the best institutions in higher education. I thank Ron Higgins, Norm Price, and all of the hard-working and dedicated assistant coaches and student assistants I've been fortunate to work with at Allegheny. I'd also like to thank the alumni and community members who have supported the program. Most of all, I thank the players who have given so much. I've always been most proud of how they've represented this great college."
Beginning his tenure in the 2010-11 season, Driggs amassed a five-year overall record of 38-79. During his tenure in Meadville, he presided over five players who earned a total of seven All-North Coast Athletic Conference honors, while he has also seen four new additions to the school's 1,000-point club over the past four years, including Josh Valentic '15, Ryan Stanko '14, Devone McLeod '13, and James Ness '12.
Picked to finish at the bottom of the standings in the NCAC in 2014-15, the Gators qualified for the conference playoffs, where they were edged by Wabash in the quarterfinal round. Despite battling key injuries throughout the campaign, Allegheny finished 11-15 overall, and 8-10 in the NCAC. Both the 11 overall wins and eight conference victories were the team's most since 2009-10.
"While I certainly respect and support the decision that Jim has made for his family, he will be missed," said Hoeg. "His integrity, work ethic, and passion for Gator athletics led the team to one of their best finishes in recent years. He has left the program in a tremendous position to be successful.
"Jim's departure is certainly a big loss for Allegheny College and the athletic department," Hoeg continued, "but also the Meadville community that he and his family have called home. We wish Jim, Colleen, Jack, and Maggie all the best in their future endeavors. We are grateful to have had them as part of our Gator family."
In addition to serving in his role as head basketball coach, Driggs was quite active in a number of other operations in the Allegheny athletic department, as he oversaw football game day management, while also assisting in the planning and organization of Gator athletics' largest annual fundraiser, the Golden Gator Golf Outing.
A nationwide search for Driggs' successor will commence shortly. The Allegheny athletic department requests no calls or inquiries on the position.