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Pepperdine Men's Basketball Coach ResignsÂ
Men's basketball coach Vance Walberg has resigned his position effective Thursday, January 17, citing personal reasons. In informing Athletic Director Dr. John Watson of his decision Walberg said, "I'd like to thank Dr. Watson and President Andrew Benton for the opportunity to come here. This is a beautiful place. It just comes down to what I need to do personally and what's best for my family. I'd like to thank the entire Pepperdine community for their support. We have a lot of good people here. We've got some really good kids on this team and I wish them well." Dr. Watson said that Eric Bridgeland, in his second year as an assistant coach at Pepperdine, will take over as interim head coach.
"Vance came to me this morning and told me that this is what he needed to do," Watson said. "I'm sorry this had to happen like this, but it's more important that he take care of his personal matters at this time. We'll move forward as best we can. Our concern now is for our student-athletes and making sure that they can handle this transition period in the best manner possible."
Walberg joined Pepperdine in April 2006 after serving as the head coach at Fresno City College where he compiled a 133-11 record from 2003-06, and won the 2005 state championship. While rebuilding the Waves to suit Walberg's attacking, high-pressure style, Pepperdine's 2006-07 squad went 8-23 overall. A freshman-filled 2007-08 squad currently stands at 6-12 overall and 0-2 in the West Coast Conference.
