Jerry Rickrode, who elevated Wilkes University’s men’s basketball program to an elite national Division III program during 22 years as head coach, has announced he will step down to accept a position in the University’s Advancement Division.

Effective March 24, Rickrode will become a major gifts officer for the University. In announcing the change, Paul Adams, vice president for student affairs, said Rickrode’s decision to pursue a new career direction – while a loss for the athletic program – will provide great opportunities for Wilkes in other ways.

"Coach Rickrode’s career aspirations and his desire to spend more time with his family coincided with a need in our advancement department, so this is a win-win for everyone," Adams said. "Coach Rickrode has had a wonderful career at Wilkes and has shaped many young men on and off the basketball court and we look forward to all he will contribute to the University in this new endeavor."

Rickrode is joining a staff led by Michael Wood, vice president for advancement. Wood said Rickrode will be a strong addition to the team. "We are fortunate to have someone with ties to Wilkes and a long history with the institution," Wood said. "His relationships with faculty, staff and alumni will be an asset to his work in advancement. Many of our alumni have fond memories of the athletic program, and Jerry will be an outstanding liaison to those individuals."

During his time on the hardwood at Wilkes, Rickrode led the Colonels to a 382-191 record, accumulating a winning percentage of .667, among the best all-time in NCAA Division III history for coaches with at least 10 years experience. He also currently holds the Division III record for being the fastest coach to reach the 200-win plateau, achieving the feat in his first 249 games.

In announcing his retirement from coaching, Rickrode expressed thanks to his family for their love and support. He also thanked members of the University administration, past and present, singling out Wilkes alumnus and trustee emeritus Eugene Roth and former vice president for academic affairs Jim Rodechko, who both have been mentors. Rickrode also thanked his coaching staff and all his former players that helped mold the program into what it is today.

"I have been blessed to be able to coach a sport that I love at the college level for 29 years. My 22 years as the Head Coach here has been an outstanding experience and I will forever be indebted to Wilkes University," Rickrode said. "I feel in some small way that our basketball program has played a positive role in the history of Wilkes. I am very hopeful that I can continue to serve and make a contribution to our institution."

Arriving at Wilkes in 1992, Rickrode led the Colonels to 17 MAC and Freedom Conference playoff appearances, including 10 straight from 1992-2002. He also led the Colonels to five-straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including four Sweet Sixteens, three Elite Eights and one Final Four appearance during the most successful run in Wilkes men’s basketball history.

During the 2000-01 season, Rickrode led Wilkes to a 23-3 record, the Freedom Conference championship, and the school’s sixth berth in the NCAA Tournament in seven years. During the 1997-98 campaign the Colonels posted a 26-5 overall record, won the MAC title, and advanced to the Division III Final Four for the first time in school history. Both the 1995-96 team, which fashioned a 28-2 record, and the 1994-95 team advanced to the Division III Elite Eight. During Rickrode’s tenure the Colonels were ranked number-one in Division III twice.

Under the guidance of Rickrode the Colonels also posted winning seasons in 20 of his 22 years as head coach, including seven campaigns in which they registered at least 20 wins.

While at Wilkes, Rickrode coached 38 all-conference performers; 11 All-ECAC players; six conference rookies of the year; and three-time conference most valuable player and the 2000-01 Jostens Division III National Player of the Year, Dave Jannuzzi. Six players and three teams under Rickrode’s guidance have been inducted into the University’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

Rickrode was honored by the National Association of Basketball Coaches as their Mid-Atlantic Regional Coach of the Year after the 2000-01, 1998-99, 1997-98 and 1995-96 seasons. Previously, he was named the Freedom coach of the year on three occasions, including 2000-01.

Rickrode came to Wilkes after spending four years as a full-time assistant coach at Ithaca College, where he was in charge of coordinating recruiting and scouting, along with assisting at practices and floor coach during games.

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