Coach Mark Arthur Retires After 29 Seasons As Basketball Coach
For a total of 29 seasons, Mark Arthur coached both men’s and women’s basketball at Southwestern Christian University. After another successful season of women’s basketball with an appearance at the NCCAA National Tournament, Mark Arthur has announced his retirement from basketball to concentrate on his role as VP for Intercollegiate Athletics.
During his 20 seasons as the men’s head coach, Mark Arthur achieved a program record of 404-329(.551). Over the past nine years in the women’s basketball coach he has had an impressive 144-128(.529) winning record. Making Mark Arthur the most winning coach in SCU history with a combined record of 548-457 (.545). In 2008, the institution highlighted Coach Arthur’s success by naming the court in Pickens-Springer gymnasium “Mark Arthur Court”.
Over his 20 years as the men’s head coach, Mark Arthur acquired a decorative collection of achievements including eight national championships (four in the NCCAA division and four in the ACCA), 2007 National NCCAA Coach of the Year.
Coach Arthur has been to five postseason tournaments as the women’s head coach, including a 2021 NCCAA National Tournament championship, 2023 SAC Championship and appearance at the NAIA National Tournament. In 2023 he was named the NCAA Central Region Coach of the Year!
Throughout his 29 years, Mark Arthur has been a leading example for SCU coaches and staff. Associate AD and Head Baseball Coach, Joe Blackwell said, “Coach Arthur leads his program both on and off the court. They are the example in academics with the highest team GPA on campus. Most importantly, under his leadership, many student athletes have come to know Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. The coaching staff will benefit from his mentorship as we move forward with a new season in SCU athletics.”
Mark Arthur joined the Southwestern Christian University staff in the spring of 1991. The then, small, private Bible college did not have a single intercollegiate athletic program. However, that was not always the case. When Mark attended SCU it was known as Oklahoma City Southwestern College (OCSC). He played basketball and earned his Associate of Arts Degree. Mark furthered his education at Central Oklahoma where he earned his bachelors and masters degrees in education.
“It has been an honor to serve this University, the Presidents, the faculty & staff as well as all the Alumni. Although winning was important, it wasn’t the only thing we strived for. Seeing the student/athlete graduate and watch them grow in their relationship with Christ was just as rewarding”. “Leading the women team the past 9 seasons has been a blessing. I tell people if I had known coaching women was so enjoyable, I would have left the men’s side long ago. I’d like to thank all the student/athletes and their families I’ve had the pleasure of coaching and serving. They have truly made my coaching career a tremendous blessing. Lastly, I’d like to thank my wife Karlene and my children Jon & Eve for standing with me over the years. I missed a lot of school activities over the years, but they were always there to support me in what God called me to do”. –Mark Arthur
Southwestern Christian University has been incredibly fortunate to have Mark Arthur as both a men’s and women’s basketball coach. His influence both on and off the court cannot be measured. His Christlike character will continue to impact his athletes and fellow coaches for years to come and we celebrate all his achievements with him. Mark Arthur will continue his duties of Athletic Director at Southwestern Christian athletics.
