Kwantlen coach resigns
Twelve years after he became the first head coach of Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s men’s basketball team, Bernie Love has decided to step down.
Love, who has coached the Kwantlen Eagles for nine of those 12 years, will resign at the conclusion of the current B.C. Colleges Athletic Association season, Kwantlen announced Wednesday afternoon.
“This is solely a positive life decision and one that I am really excited about and looking forward to,” said Love, adding the team’s current 1-11 (won-loss) record didn’t play a factor in the decision. “It was by no means easy but one that I am at ease and completely comfortable with.”
Love served as head coach of the Eagles for the team’s first five seasons, leading Kwantlen to its first of three consecutive playoff appearances in just its second full season at full BCCAA members, before departing for an assistant coach’s position at the CIS (Canadian Interuniversity Sports) 2004. He returned to Kwantlen in 2007, and will coach the final six games of the current season before stepping down, admitting to falling short of his goal of winning a provincial championship with the Surrey university.
“Kwantlen always has and always will hold a special place in my heart,” he said. “Although I wasn’t able to accomplish what I wanted on the court, the friendships I have made on and off the court and the relationships that I have garnered with all my players, present and past, will be with me for the rest of my life.
“I haven’t retired from coaching but I will be taking some time away. I am looking forward to being back on the sideline someday.”
Elise Le Brun, director of athletics and recreation, praised the contribution Love made to the Kwantlen basketball team.
“Bernie has invested almost a decade into the Eagles program, and his passion for Kwantlen basketball will always be remembered,” she said. “We wish him all the best for the future.”
Le Brun said a search for a new head coach is already underway, with the job expected to be filled by early next month. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the Kwantlen Eagles Athletics website at: www.kwantlen.ca/eagles
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