Mark Potter, in his 19th year at the helm after resurrecting the Newman men’s basketball program, has announced that he will retire at the conclusion of the 2016-17 season.
“I’m so thankful for the last 19 years that my family and I have been able to have here at Newman,” Potter said. “It’s truly been a blessing.
“I only know one way to go about coaching, and that’s all-in. After 30 years, my body is telling me to do something a little less stressful, and it’s time for me to take a step back. My blood pressure has been getting a little high this season, and after having a serious discussion with my wife and my family, it became clear that this was the right decision. A tough decision, but the right one, and as soon as we made it, it was like a weight was lifted off my shoulders.
“I want to thank the players who have played for me, the coaches that have coached with me, and all the other countless people who have impacted this program and became family to me. I want to especially thank [Newman Director of Athletics and Vice President for Student Affairs] Vic Trilli. He gave me new life when he arrived here eight years ago. He’s really given our entire athletic department new life, and has impacted this school at a level I never thought possible.”
Potter, a Newman alumnus who played both basketball and baseball for the Jets in his time as an undergraduate, returned to the school to help bring back a men’s basketball program that was dormant for 11 years. Beginning with the 1998-99 season, he has accumulated 323 victories, achieving the most wins and highest winning percentage by any coach in program history.
He led the basketball program, and helped the athletic department as a whole, through the transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II. Along the way, he’s coached 33 all-conference players, 11 All-Americans and two conference players of the year, while being named coach of the year by his conference on three occasions.
“We could not be more thankful for what Coach Potter and his entire family have done for Newman University,” Trill said. “Coach Potter, Nanette — his partner in life and in basketball — and their children, Zach and Chelsey, exemplify what Newman is all about, not just in athletics, but in everything that is right about this university.
“As athletic director, I must plan to move forward. I must admit a deep sense of sadness, but also a tremendous desire to celebrate this family and their tremendous dedication, passion and love for Newman Athletics.”
Potter will coach the Jets through the end of the 2016-17 season, the program’s ninth as members of Division II and the Heartland Conference.
“We absolutely still have this year to finish out,” he said. “There won’t be any difference in the way I coach this team, except I’ll have the ability to step back every now and then and really be able to appreciate all of it, as I truly do. Newman has a special place in my heart, and always will.”
