Gene Wolverton has resigned as the head coach for the Briercrest Clippers men’s basketball program. Wolverton was at the helm for two seasons and made great strides with the team. This year he guided the Clippers to a winning record and a fourth place finish in the strong ACAC South Division. The team, under Wolverton’s leadership, also experienced its first playoff berth in four seasons.

The decision to step down was not an easy one for Wolverton after a successful season and seeing the program beginning to grow.

“Both years were great, but this past season was the most enjoyable team that I have been a part of in my years of both playing and coaching college or university basketball,” he said. “It is very hard to leave because of the great relationships that we have developed with the players and the staff at Briercrest.”  

Wolverton believes that the time is right for a change, however, and also feels that the program is in a good place for a new coach to transition into.

“We had a great two years here at Briercrest but it is time for my wife and I to move on,” he said. “I will always bleed blue and gold and the Clippers will always be my team . . . Going forward we feel that the program is in a great place for a new coach to take over and I am looking forward to see the future of Briercrest men’s basketball.”

Briercrest College and Seminary athletic director, Stan Peters, agrees.

“I want to thank Gene for seizing the opportunity and establishing a great foundation for the men’s basketball program at Briercrest,” said Peters. “It took a great deal of hard work, planning and execution for Gene to achieve the level of success he achieved this season – success as measured by our total champion way program. We believe that the next coach coming in will have the opportunity to ‘go for gold’ – on and off the court. We want to bless Gene and Becky as they pursue the next part of their journey.”

Gene and his wife Becky will be moving back to B.C., where they were before taking the head coaching position at Briercrest. Wolverton is grateful for the experience he has had at Briercrest saying, “It has been a tremendous privilege and honour to be given the opportunity to coach the Clipper men’s basketball team.”

He hopes to stay involved with coaching and to be in a job where he can continue his passion of having a positive impact on the lives of young athletes.

“I want to thank my players that have played for me and their parents for allowing me to have a part in their lives,” said Wolverton. “My prayer for them is that they will become great men, husbands, fathers and contributors to their communities. I will miss these young men and my co-workers and wish them all the best in their futures.”

Briercrest Athletics has begun the search for the next head coach for the Clipper men’s basketball program. The details of the job are posted on the ACAC website at www.acac.ab.ca . Updates and further details about the position will be posted on the Briercrest Athletics website in the near future. Anyone interested in applying for the position is encouraged to send their resume to Athletic Director Stan Peters at speters@briercrest.ca or contact us for further details at 306-630-6264.