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NYACK MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH JOHN D. JONES STEPS DOWN

March 11, 2008

Courtesy of Josh Thompson, Nyack SID

NYACK, NY-Coach John D. Jones announced he is stepping down as head men's basketball coach at Nyack College on Monday. Hired by Athletic Director Keith Davie in 2001, Jones guided the program for seven years and oversaw Nyack's transition from an NAIA school to a competitive NCAA division II program.

In 2003-04, Jones led the Warriors to the NCCAA East Region Championship and the programs first-ever final four appearance in the national tournament. In 2004-05, Nyack defended its East Region Championship, winning back-to-back titles for the first time in school history. That season also marked the first 20-win campaign as a division II program, and the first-ever number-1 ranking in a national poll (NCCAA).

After graduating four senior starters, the Warriors returned to the hardwood in 2005-06 with four sophomores in the line-up. Despite their youth, that team managed to earn Nyack's first win over a nationally-ranked NCAA D-II opponent, and earn the first NCAA regional ranking in school history, while reaching the CACC semi-finals. Jones' teams made it to the post-season in five of the seven years he coached. Most important to Jones was that 28 of the 30 players who matriculated through the program and completed their eligibility went on to graduate.

Coach Jones made many off-the-court contributions as well. He was instrumental in resuscitating the annual Andre Thornton Golf Classic; starting the Nyack College Athletics online store; developing the Nyack Gym Crew to enhance game management operations and chapel set-up; and the recruitment of several new corporate sponsors.

Coach Jones' statement:

"Lorna & I have arrived at the decision to step down as head basketball coach at Nyack College because it is in the best interest of my family, the Institution and the basketball program.

It is my feeling that coaches exist for only one reason-the players. We have an outstanding group of young men on this team. We want them to know that we love them, feel blessed for our time together, and will miss them.

We appreciate the opportunity we have had at Nyack to work with the great people throughout this department and around the campus, as well as the current and former students. We have always felt the love and support that the student body has displayed for the basketball program, and it will not be forgotten.

We also need to say a special appreciation to a loyal, tireless and dedicated group of assistant coaches and their families, who have given so much to this program. This includes Coaches Kyle Jarrett, Malcolm Lash and David Julien, our support staff and every individual, past and present, who has been a part of this program.

I have enjoyed 15 years in coaching, and I will consider my time with the Warriors to be a rewarding experience. Lorna and I wish God's blessings on everyone here."

Athletic Director Keith Davie's statement:

"We wish John the best of luck in his future endeavors. We appreciate the contributions he has made to the basketball program, the athletic department and the institution over the last seven years."

A nation-wide search will begin immediately to fill the opening.