SWOSU Begins Search For New Coach

May 2, 2006

WEATHERFORD –Southwestern Oklahoma State University will cast a wide net in an aggressive search for a new men's basketball coach following the resignation of Scott Reed, SWOSU Director of Athletics Cecil Perkins said Tuesday. Reed, a native of Tahlequah, is returning to his home where he will rejoin the Northeastern State University men’s basketball staff as the assistant head coach. 

"We are sad to lose Scott but wish him and his young family well in all their future endeavors," Perkins said. "Scott led our men's basketball program with class and integrity."

The 34-year-old Reed assembled a record of 47-38 (.552) over his three seasons at SWOSU. The Bulldogs achieved national rankings in two of those years. His best team was in 2004-05 when SWOSU started the year 11-0 and climbed to No. 3. in the NCAA Division II weekly poll. The team finished with a 20-9 mark and made SWOSU’s first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division II Regional Tournament.

"I'm really grateful for the opportunity to have led the basketball program here at Southwestern," Reed said. “My wife, Marnie, and I made many friends here and in the Weatherford community that we'll miss. We're proud of the success we achieved and believe a firm foundation is in place for a number of years."

Perkins, who has already been in contact with the players expected to return for next year’s Bulldog team, said he is completing calls to those recruits that have been signed or are still considering SWOSU assuring them of the school’s intention to hire a top-notch head coach.

Perkins is also putting together a search committee and said that by next week he hopes to have the position advertised in local, regional and national publications.