Brent Bargen has resigned, effective June 30, 2016, as Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Chadron State College, according to Athletic Director Joel Smith.
“I appreciate Brent’s service to Chadron State College and wish him well with his future endeavors,” said Smith.
In ten seasons leading the Eagles, Bargen put together a record of 78-186. In the 2015-16 campaign, the team finished 7-19 (5-17 RMAC).
He has coached 10 All-RMAC performers and five who received honorable mention. In addition, Bargen has coached several CSC players who have continued their careers professionally overseas. During his coaching career, 37 players he recruited or coached have played professionally.
Two of Bargen’s players have earned Academic All-Conference honors during his tenure, with a total of nine making academic honor roll from the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.
His oldest son, Zac, led the RMAC in points per game in 2012-13, with 18.2. He also recruited and coached Moala Tautuaa, who owns Chadron State’s highest four-year field goal percentage, at 62.6 percent.
“After a lot of prayer and soul searching it is with mixed emotions that I am resigning as the head basketball coach at Chadron State College,” said Bargen. “I want to thank Coach Brad Smith and Dr. Janie Park for hiring me and bringing our family to Chadron. We truly appreciate the opportunity that was given to us. The Chadron community has been great to our family and a great place to live.”
“Dr. Rhine has been as supportive as any president could be and it is refreshing to have Joel Smith bring new ideas to campus with his leadership as the AD. We have seen many terrific changes to the athletic department over our time here and even though transition can be difficult it is the right time to make this change for all parties involved. With new facilities and administrative leadership it is a good time for the program to get a fresh start with new energy from a different set of eyes.”
“Personally I am disappointed that we were not able to turn the program into a winning tradition but I am at peace and very comfortable with not only this decision, but that we did things the right way during my tenure. Thanks to all the players who trusted us with their careers and the staff members who assisted me in the battle at CSC.”
“There should be high expectations for this group next season as they only graduate three seniors, have twelve players scheduled to return including the top three scorers, and a terrific supporting cast. I wish these guys nothing but success.”
“Lastly, I want to thank my wife Leslie for being tremendously supportive and encouraging. We are very excited about what God has in store for us as we begin the next chapter of our lives.”
Smith said a national search will be conducted to fill the head men’s basketball coach position.
http://chadroneagles.com/news/2016/3/15/bargen-to-step-down-as-csc-mens-basketball-coach.aspx
Photo Courtesy Chadron State
