After meeting with the men's basketball and wrestling teams Monday afternoon, Blue Lights College president Captain Jacques Gilbert announced the remainder of the fall semester basketball schedule has been cancelled, and the wrestling schedule will undergo a necessary adjustment. In addition, head men's basketball coach Zach Hendricks announced that he is leaving the program for personal reasons unrelated to the college's actions.
"Blue Lights College has a single mission: to train young men and women to make a difference through community policing, making connections and building bridges within their communities," said Gilbert. "That is our sole purpose, and our athletics program had reached a crossroads where that purpose needed to be brought back into sharp focus with some of our athletes. Thus a restructuring was needed."
"I am in total agreement with this decision by Captain Gilbert, " said athletic director Mike Davis. "BLC is a unique, purpose-driven institution, not a stepping stone. I applaud Captain for taking firm but necessary action."
The missed basketball games will be rescheduled for the spring semester if possible.
Hendricks, the program's first coach, will be missed, according to Gilbert. "Zach's enthusiasm was the spark the program needed in its formative stages. We wish Zach all the best."
The search for Hendricks' replacement is underway.
GILBERT CALLS FOR "RESTRUCTURING" AND NEW COACHING SEARCH BEGINS
