Bill Pope Turns In Resignation At Lincoln University
June 4, 2003
Jefferson City, MO - Lincoln University Head Basketball Coach, Bill Pope has
formally announced his resignation today. He is leaving his current post
today in order to pursue other job opportunities elsewhere. Named as head
coach in 1998, Pope has also served as Assistant Athletic Director and
Compliance Coordinator for the past four years.
Bill Pope
Bill Pope recently completed his sixth season at the helm of the Blue
Tigers. For the third consecutive year, LU finished with a winning record,
despite the fact that 10 new players dotted the roster and they operated
without the benefit of an assistant coach. The 3-year string of 2000-2003
is the best at LU in nearly 30 years.
Pope's philosophy of up-tempo offense and relentless pressing defense have
led his teams to be among the Nation's leaders in points scored and field
goal percentage on a yearly basis. However, during the 2002-2003 season a
shift toward better defense occurred and the Blue Tigers were first or
second in the conference in blocked shots, steals, rebounding, offensive
rebounding, defensive field goal percentage and points allowed.
Pope's ability to recruit quality talent and develop it has been shown by
the nine all-conference selections, 12 conference players of the week, one
conference newcomer of the year, one conference MVP, two All-Region
performers, and 1 All-American that he has produced during his tenure.
Lincoln's 2000-2001 Heartland Conference Championship provided the program
with a plethora of accolades including being named the "Nation's Most
Improved Team" after rebounding from a 2-24 record to post a 20-7 mark. In
addition, Pope was named the Heartland Conference Coach of the year for his
staff's efforts.
Their recent division one opponents including Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas
State, and Southeast Missouri State is evidence of Pope's philosophy of
playing anyone anywhere. The team travels have taken them to Alaska, Hawaii
and Las Vegas to participate in hoop events.
Pope's statement:
"
I am very thankful for the opportunity provided me in 1998 to be the head
coach at Lincoln by then AD, Ron Coleman. I am thankful that in the ensuing
years after 1998 the administration, specifically Dr. Henson and Theressa
Ferguson, provided me with the support to make it through the difficult
rebuilding we endured. We are at a point now where I feel we have
established our program as being a consistent winner.
In just six years, I have had 2 different conference affiliations, 3
Athletic Directors, 3 Sports Information Directors, 4 different trainers, 4
different assistant coaches (1 year without an assistant), and numerous
players. There appears to be even more change on the horizon.
The adversity and change have provided rich learning experiences that will
impact my life forever. The players that have played for LU, and have
committed to play for LU in the future have made every day new and exciting.
I appreciate their sacrifices and I will miss them more than anything else.
Again, I am very appreciative to the administration at LU and the community
of Jefferson City for supporting our program through good and bad. I will
always follow LU and look for even better things in the future direction of
this program."
