Wellman resigns as head coach of AU men’s basketball team
ALFRED, NY —
Dale Wellman has resigned as head coach of men's basketball at Alfred University.
Wellman is leaving AU to take over the head coaching job at Nebraska Wesleyan University.
Paul Vecchio, director of athletics at Alfred University, said a national search to find Wellman's replacement will begin immediately.
"I am very happy for Dale and his family for this opportunity which he has earned for his six years of outstanding leadership of our men's basketball program," Vecchio said. "While very sorry to see him leave our Saxon family, I am extremely thankful for the work he has done to elevate our men's basketball program and leave an outstanding blueprint for success moving forward. His work will no doubt allow us to find outstanding candidates to lead our program in the future."
Wellman leaves AU after guiding the team to an 18-9 record for the 2013-14 season, the Saxons' best record since the 1988-89 squad went 19-8 and played in the NCAA Division III championship tournament. Wellman led the Saxons to a 9-5 Empire 8 Conference record and the school's first-ever berth in the conference championship tournament, and was named the league's Coach of the Year.
"As I depart, I want to thank everyone associated with the University for the fond memories I will have of Alfred, especially my colleagues in the athletic department," Wellman said. "AU has been very good to me and my family over the last six years, and it has been a privilege to work here with such good people. I would like to personally thank
Paul Vecchio and Jim Moretti. They were great administrators to work for and AU athletics is headed in the right directions because of them. Finally, I wish all the best to the current members of the basketball team and the alums I have coached. They have made my job exciting and meaningful. I could not have asked for better guys to coach."
Wellman coached at AU six seasons, finishing with a career record of 67-86. Nine of 14 letterwinners, including two starters, are set to return to the Saxons next season.