GCU Men's Basketball Coach Russ Pennell Resigns

PHOENIX, March 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Grand Canyon University announced today that its men's head basketball coach, Russ Pennell, has resigned. 

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"I am proud of the way that Coach Pennell has represented Grand Canyon University," said Brian Mueller, the University's president. "In light of our upcoming move to NCAA Division I status, we have come to a mutual decision that it would be in the best interests of the University and Coach Pennell if we took different paths at this time."  The Antelopes will now begin the transition to Division I as a member of the Western Athletic Conference. 

"I leave with great respect for Grand Canyon University and thank Brian Mueller for giving me the opportunity to lead the men's basketball program over the past four seasons," said Russ Pennell.  "I look forward to the next opportunity that lies ahead."

A news conference is scheduled for 10:00 am PDT on Monday morning, March 18, 2013 at the GCU Arena where GCU's next men's head basketball coach will be introduced by GCU President Brian Mueller, GCU Athletic Director Keith Baker, and GCU Special Assistant to the President, Jerry Colangelo.

About Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University was founded in 1949 and is Arizona's premier private Christian university. GCU offers degree programs for both traditional undergraduate students and the working professional in seven colleges: the Ken Blanchard College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Theology, the College of Fine Arts and Production, and the College of Doctoral Studies. GCU offers traditional programs on its growing campus, as well as online bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs.  The University's curriculum fuses academic and clinical rigor with Christian values to prepare its students to be skilled, caring professionals. For more information about GCU, visit www.gcu.edu.

SOURCE Grand Canyon University