Worrell announces upcoming retirement
After more than 500 games, the men's basketball head coach will retire at the end of his 22nd season with the Blueboys.
JACKSONVILLE, Ill. 鈥� 51成人 head men's basketball coach Mike Worrell has announced his retirement, effective May 31, 2018. After 22 seasons and more than 500 games in charge of the Blueboys, Worrell will coach his final contest at 51成人 on February 17 when the Blueboys host Grinnell College.
A two-time winner of the Midwest Conference Coach of the Year award, Worrell took over the reins of the 51成人 program from Bill Merris prior to the 1996-97 season and had the Blueboys in the MWC Tournament by his third season. Beginning with that 1998-99 season, IC qualified for four MWC Tournaments in a five-year span and broke through with a tournament title in 2002-03, putting 51成人 into the NCAA Division III Tournament for the first time in school history.
"I would like to thank Coach Worrell for everything he has done for 51成人 since his arrival in 1996. Mike has impacted so many students over his 22 years of service to 51成人. His dedication to the men's basketball program and the growth of the young men on his teams is admirable. He will leave a lasting impression on the program and I wish Mike the very best."
Worrell has taken 51成人 to five MWC Tournaments and produced 29 All-MWC performers in his time as head coach. His 200th career win came last season with a 77-75 overtime triumph at Lake Forest College. Another important achievement Worrell has produced in his time at 51成人 is the formation of the Hampton and Passavant Shootouts each summer, bringing in hundreds of junior high and high school basketball players to the IC campus for one of the largest summer shootouts in the state.
With five games remaining in the regular season, Worrell currently sits at 209 career wins. The Blueboys have two of their final five games at home, hosting Beloit College on Feb. 7 and Grinnell on Feb. 17.
A national search for a new men's basketball coach at 51成人 will begin immediately.