April 5, 2005
Release courtesy of Tom Galbriath, Loras College sports information director

DUBUQUE, IOWA . . . Chad Walthall, Loras College director of athletics, has announced to the athletic staff he has accepted the resignation of Head Women’s Basketball Coach Larry Lawler, effective May 31, 2005. Lawler cited family reasons as the motivating factor in his decision, saying, “The last three years at Loras have been very rewarding and meaningful. However, after much deliberation, I feel I need to resign for family reasons and seek other professional opportunities.”

In three seasons, Lawler led the Duhawks to a 50-32 overall record. In his first season, the Duhawks set a school-record with 22 victories, won the first IIAC title in school history, won their first IIAC Tournament championship, and made the school’s first appearance in the NCAA III Tournament. He also was named the 2002-03 Iowa Conference Coach of the Year. This past season saw the women finish with a 13-13 record.

Lawler came to Loras after seven seasons as an assistant coach at Rutgers University, where he worked with Hall of Famer and three-time National Coach of the Year, C.Vivian Stringer. In their seven seasons together, Lawler helped Stringer build the Rutgers basketball program into a top 25 and nationally-recognized program.

Walthall said, “I would like to thank Larry for the work he’s done at Loras College. We wish him and his family all the best.” A national search for a replacement for Lawler will begin immediately.

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