Assistant coach Shane Hawkins submits resignation
12/19/2005 | 12:00:00 | Men's Basketball
Dec. 19, 2005
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Southern Illinois University men's basketball coach Shane Hawkins submitted his resignation on Monday. The 29-year-old assistant has been on administrative leave from the University since Oct. 20.
"My decision to resign was difficult, but it will allow me to focus on personal matters that require my attention at this time," Hawkins said in a letter. "It is my hope that the resignation will allow the University to proceed in making staffing decisions that will benefit the program and allow a full coaching staff to focus on maintaining the success of the team."
Hawkins coached three seasons at SIU. He was initially hired as a graduate assistant by head coach Bruce Weber in 2002 and subsequently promoted to a full-time position by current head coach Chris Lowery in 2004.
"Shane worked hard for this University as a player and coach, and for that we are eternally grateful," Saluki Athletics Director Paul Kowalczyk said. "We respect his decision and wish him well."
The Pinckneyville (Ill.) native played basketball for SIU from 1995 to 1998 and is the school's career record holder in 3-point shooting. He graduated from Southern Illinois in 1999.
"Shane has played a very important role in the growth of our program," Lowery said. "He's a member of the Saluki basketball family, and we will miss him. I lost more than an assistant coach today. I lost a friend."
Lowery said he did not have a timetable for hiring a replacement.
