UCA Cans Coach Chappell
March 7, 2010 by: Julian Spivey
UCA men’s basketball coach Rand Chappell has been fired after coaching the team for seven years.
Chappell’s entire coaching staff has also been let go by athletic director Brad Teague.
The Bears finished the season on Saturday with a 76-72 win over the McNeese State Cowboys in Lake Charles, La. However, the win for the Bears Saturday was just their third Southland Conference win of the season and their ninth win overall this season. The Bears finished the season with a 9-21 overall record and a 3-13 record in Southland Conference play.
In his seven years at UCA, Chappell’s win-loss record was exactly .500 at 104-104. His overall career coaching record is 302-166. Chappell previously coached at Henderson State, Phillips University in Enid, Okla. and Labette Community College in Parsons, Kan.
Coach Rand Chappell
Chappell only had three winning seasons in his seven with the team. The three winning season came from the 2003-2004 season through the 2005-2006, in his first three years as coach. He hadn’t had a winning season as coach of the Bears since the team moved up to Division I play four years ago. In fact, the Bears have never won more than four games in Southland Conference play during those four years.
Chappell had three more years remaining on his contract, which will be paid from private funds, according to Teague.
The athletic program’s transition to full DI status will be complete this year and the team will be eligible for postseason tournament play starting in the fall.
UCA will begin the process of searching for their next basketball coach immediately.
Having attended nearly every home basketball game as part of the band, I can say that I don’t think the blame should lie entirely on the coaching staff. While they obviously play a large role in the success of our team, it’s important to realize that when life gives you lemons, it’s not always so simple to make lemonade.
The only men’s game that I enjoyed watching this season was the Southeastern LA game a few weeks ago. It was the one game that I’d seen them play where they played quite well, even though they ended up losing in overtime.
Perhaps this event will lead to a more successful team next year, though I wouldn’t count on it being an instant 180 from where we are currently.
The SugarBears, on the other hand… well they’ve been simply amazing all season.