Hastings College men's basketball coach Lance Creech is stepping down following the 2012-13 season.
Creech, entering his 11th season as the Broncos' head coach, said spending more time with his family is the primary influence in his decision to step down.
"Being a head coach at the collegiate level is time-consuming job," Creech said in a news release from the college Tuesday morning. "As my two sons are becoming older, I want to take a more active role in their interests. It has been a battle of priorities for me during the past couple of years.
"My decision to make my resignation public before the season is out of respect for the program and the institution. This will give the college time to conduct a well- informed search and decision for my successor. I'm thankful for the opportunity that I have been given here and want the program to go on smoothly during this transition."
During his time as HC's head coach, Creech has produced two NAIA All-Americans, 13 NAIA Academic All-Americans and 25 All-GPAC players. In 2010, Creech was recognized as the GPAC Coach of the Year.
First-year HC athletic director Jerry Schmutte said HC will officially begin its search for the next coach on Jan. 1, 2013.
"On behalf of Hastings College, I would like to thank coach Creech for his years of service and dedication to Hastings College and our men's basketball program," Schmutte said. "It's important for me not to let a search for our new coach interfere with this year's team and coaching staff."
HC opens the 2012-13 season Nov. 2 at Missouri Valley.
To read more, see Monday's Hastings Tribune or the Tribune e-edition.>>>
