Coach Sturgeon Resigns as Men’s Head Basketball Coach
By James Allen & Dan Friend
Staff Writer & Managing Editor
On Monday, October 1, after ten years as head coach for the men’s basketball program at the University of Indianapolis, Coach Todd Sturgeon resigned. In his ten years as head coach, Sturgeon went 151-126 with the Greyhounds, and he became the first coach in UIndy history to lead the team to three consecutive NCAA Tournament berths.
Sturgeon insists that his resignation was for the betterment of his family, as he stated in an October 2 issue of the Indianapolis Star:
“It just came down to having young children, the time demands the job requires to do it right and kind of being at the point in my life where I need to make a decision to be a lifer and coach forever or give something else a try. I wanted to give something else a try that didn’t require me to be away from home so much.”
Sturgeon is married and has two sons, ages 9 and 6.
To replace Sturgeon as interim head coach is former UIndy head coach Royce Waltman. He was the leader of the university’s program from 1992-1997. Waltman will be the coach of the Greyhounds until season’s end when a national search will be conducted for a new head coach. Waltman has not been given the job as coach for any longer than the end of the season.
Sue Willey, athletics director at UIndy, expresses that the sudden resignation of Sturgeon was not a foreseen action, but she does understand his rational for his decision.
“The move was certainly unexpected, but I could understand Coach Sturgeon’s rational for why he felt compelled [to leave]. In the spring well will conduct a search for a coach who will have a good understanding of the balance between academics and athletics here at the university.”
Sturgeon has served under Waltman in the five years prior to his appointment as head coach from 1992-1997.
Prior to 1992, Waltman served as head coach of Division III team DePauw University, where he went 100-36 in his five years there. After which Waltman led the Greyhounds to two NCAA berths in his final years, one of which UIndy held the men’s Division II number one ranking. For the past ten years, Waltman served as head coach for the Indiana State Sycamores, where his record finished at 134-164 will two NCAA playoff berths made.
Willey commented on her appoint of Waltman by reassuring the school that UIndy will get the same level of excellence from Waltman as they would Sturgeon.
“He is gun-ho and has a passion for basketball. Royce has been around since the beginning of this season, so he knows the players. And he has been here before; he knows the league and the school.”
Sturgeon was the one who suggested Waltman to Willey for his temporary replacement. Waltman would not allow any of his players to speak with the press, but he did say that Sturgeon and he have remained good friends over the years. Waltman expresses strong feelings for his old friend and wishes him the best.
“[He] made the decision that was best for him and his family,” said Waltman. “After not having my contract renewed at Indiana State, I have the strongest feelings for having a team again.”
