Press Release

DECEMBER 21, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: RUDY YOVICH, SID
260-481-6646

Patterson Resigns as IPFW Women's Basketball Head Coach
Personal reasons cited

Fort Wayne, IN -IPFW head women's basketball coach Bruce Patterson announced today that he is stepping down from that post, citing personal reasons.

IPFW Director of Athletics Mark Pope regretfully accepted Patterson's resignation. "Bruce is a wonderful coach, who believes in giving 110% to the team and the program," Pope said. "But even more than being a great coach and leader, Bruce is a family man, and his family needs him right now. We are sad to see Bruce go, we wish him our best, and send our thoughts and prayers to his brother and family."

"What a great opportunity to be involved in the start-up of a Division I program," Patterson said. "It was a great honor, and I’d like to thank (IPFW Chancellor) Mike Wartell and all the staff here, and Mark (Pope) for giving me that opportunity. I’ll forever be in their debt, but sometimes you just have to do what you have to do."

Patterson had guided the Mastodons for the past four and a half seasons, compiling a record of 27-92. In 16-1/2 seasons, Patterson had a career coaching mark of 273-193.

Associate Head Coach Chris Paul has been named interim women's head basketball coach for the remainder of the year.

"Whenever an assistant gets moved to a head coaching position, there are a lot of emotions to go through, but when you add son-in-law and father-in-law to it, there are a lot more," Paul, who is married to Patterson's daughter Trisha, said.

"There are a lot of things going on in my mind right now, but the first thing we’ve got to do is make sure we start preparing for Friday (vs. Winthrop). And, take the foundations that Bruce Patterson put in place, the principals, and the ethics, and the good students, and the good people that we have here, and all the strides that we’ve made…my job is to continue and move forward from here and make sure that all the work that he’s done doesn't go for naught.”

"Chris is a spectacular basketball coach," Patterson remarked. "The kids love him, and I’m sure they will play well for him. Hopefully this will give them a burst of energy in the middle of this season to go on and finish this season strong.“

Paul will be a candidate for the head coaching job. A search to fill the position will be conducted following the 2005-06 season.