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Cole steps down as head coach

Oklahoma Christian University men’s basketball coach Cory Cole has resigned after three seasons, Oklahoma Christian Athletic Director David Lynn said Friday.

Cole, a former NAIA All-America player for OC, posted a 31-54 record as the Eagles’ coach. During his second season in 2017-18, OC went 4-4 against teams that appeared in the NCAA Division II top-25 poll and reached the Heartland Conference Championship tournament title game as a No. 7 seed.

This past season, OC knocked off then-No. 2-ranked St. Edward’s (Texas) in the regular season and advanced to the Heartland tournament semifinals as the No. 6 seed, beating Lubbock Christian (Texas), a team that made the Division II tournament field.

“I came back to Oklahoma Christian with high expectations for success and high standards,” Cole said. “I’m disappointed that in my three seasons here we have not been able to achieve the mark I set for myself and this program. So, it’s time for me to move on to other opportunities and to give someone else an opportunity to achieve the success these student-athletes and OC deserve. I love OC and will always treasure my time here as a student-athlete and as a coach.

“I want to thank David Lynn and President John deSteiguer for the opportunity they gave me and the support they provided over the years. I wish (assistant) coaches Kendre Talley and Gary Jones and these players great success in the coming seasons.”
Lynn said Talley would serve as the program’s interim coach.

“We are very thankful for the contributions coach Cole has made to our men’s basketball program here at OC,” Lynn said. “We wish Cory and his family success in his future endeavors.”

The information above is part of a statement from the Oklahoma Christian athletic department.

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