Louisiana Monroe's Vining steps down
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Monroe, LA (Sports Network) - Louisana-Monroe men's basketball coach Mike
Vining announced Tuesday that he is resigning after 24 years at the helm.
Vining, the winningest coach in Southland Conference history, had spent his entire coaching career at his alma mater. During his tenure with the Indians, Vining went 401-303, while appearing in the NCAA Tournament seven times and receiving one NIT berth. "I have put a lot of thought into this over the past few months," said Vining. "It has been a relief to make this decision, always knowing that sooner or later this day would come." Vining was only one of 29 active Division I coaches during the 2004-05 campaign to reach 400 career victories as a head coach. This year, he also became just one of three active coaches to win at least 400 games all at his alma mater, joining Syracuse's Jim Boeheim and Sacred Heart's Dave Bike. "We're grateful for all that Mike has done for this basketball program," said ULM Director of Athletics Bobby Staub. "His selfless dedication and commitment to this institution is greatly appreciated." He posted six 20-win seasons and won 19 games three other times during his career. Vining's clubs won seven Southland Conference titles and six SLC tournament championships, while also capturing the Trans-America Athletic Conference tournament championship The Indians reached the NCAA Tournament in his first season (1981-82). ULMONROE |