I teased this one in the DAILY DIRT on Tuesday. It’s now official – Russ Caton has resigned at D2 Adams State. Here’s the official release from ASU:

Adams State University Athletic Director Katelyn Smith has announced that after eight seasons at the helm of the ASU Men’s Basketball Program, Russ Caton has stepped down as the Head Coach, effective immediately.

“We are so appreciative of Coach Caton’s time here and everything he has done for Men’s Basketball and for this University,” said Smith. “He was an integral part of this department and his impact and legacy will never be forgotten. I wish him the absolute best in his new endeavors. “

Smith has announced that a nationwide search for the 11th head coach in program history will commence immediately

Caton will depart Adams State after being a student-athlete during the 1996-1997 season, a student assistant, a main assistant, and back as head coach. Caton will exit with a 91-130 (.412) record. His 91 wins are the fourth most in Grizzly history behind Ron Crawford, who won 161 games in 13 seasons, Hall of Famer Larry Mortensen, who won 122 games in 11 seasons, and Louis Wilson, who won 95 games in five seasons.

Caton, the Alamosa native, entered his current ASU tenure with six seasons of collegiate head coaching experience at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs from 2006-12. During his time at UCCS, he led the program to its first postseason berth in school history and its first-ever regional ranking. The Mountain Lions made the RMAC tournament three times during his tenure as he amassed a 52-83 record.