January 16, 2010
(release courtesy of Dave Blanchard, Luther College sports information director)
DECORAH, IOWA . . . After three years as head coach of the Luther College volleyball program, Jane Gibbs has announced her resignation and has accepted a position as volleyball coach at Augsburg College, Minneapolis, Minn.
“It is with mixed emotions that I announce my resignation as volleyball coach,” commented Gibbs. “I completely enjoyed my time at Luther. With my fiancé established in a career in the twin cities area, accepting the position at Augsburg allows me to continue my passion of coaching, as the two of us enter into the next phase of our lives together.”
During her three years, Gibbs took a volleyball program that had produced six wins in two years, and built it into one of the best teams in the Iowa Conference. Luther finished the 2009 campaign with a record of 26-12 and made its first ever appearance in the NCAA III National Tournament in 2009.
Director of Athletics Joe Thompson said the college will begin searching for a replacement and hopes to have that individual in place as soon as possible. “I want to express my appreciation for the leadership and service Jane has provided to the volleyball program,” stated Thompson. “Jane has been able to build the Luther program into one of the best programs in the Iowa Conference. We want to maintain and build on the success the Luther’s teams have established the last three years. We wish Jane and Jon all the best as she assumes her new coaching position.”
Luther College is a four-year liberal arts college affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The Norse compete in 10 men's and nine women's intercollegiate sports.
As a member of the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) since 1922, the men have won 149 conference championships. In 1982 the IIAC expanded its championship sponsorship to include women's sports. During this time span, the women have won 59 team titles. Combined, the Norse have captured an unprecedented 208 IIAC titles.
More information on Luther athletics can be located on the World Wide Web at http://sports.luther.edu
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