SASKATOON - After 22 years of dedication to the University of Saskatchewan men’s basketball program, Greg Jockims has resigned from his position as head coach.
Jockims joined the Huskie Athletics staff as head coach in the 1998-99 season after being involved with the program as both a player and assistant coach. He leaves the program as the winningest coach in history with 198 victories.
The decision to leave his post was not easy.
"My heart, soul and almost every waking moment has gone into working on and building the Huskie men's basketball program over the years,” stated Jockims. “As I have moved on in my life my young family has and continues to require more and more of my heart, soul and time. To be fair to each entity, I have made the ‘most difficult decision of my life' to leave a big part of my life behind and move on.
“My heart, soul and time will now be directed toward becoming a 'championship father', taking care of my family and focusing on other interests. I leave the program in a good situation and would like to publically thank all current and former players, coaches, alumni, supporters and friends who have helped to build a 'National Championship caliber basketball program' here at the U of S. 'Huskie Pride' will live in my heart always".
Jockims joined the Huskies in 1983 playing five seasons that included two trips to the national championships and being a member of the U of S legendary “Fab Five.” Jockims finished his playing career as a member of the 1,000 point club with 1,298 points in his career.
After graduation Jockims was an assistant coach with the Huskies before moving on to be an assistant coach at the University of Victoria and head coach at Cape Breton University for four years. In his time with the Capers, Jockims led the team to the AUS championship and a bronze medal at the national level.
Since joining the Huskie Athletics’ coaching staff in 1998-99, Jockims turned the program around with seven straight playoff appearances beginning in 2003 culminating in the school’s first ever Canada West and CIS Championships in 2009-10. Jockims took over the program after the team had won just five games in the previous four seasons and has led them to win 22 or more games in five of the last six seasons. He has also led the Huskies to three of the last five Canada West Final Four tournaments.
In 2010-11, Jockims exercised his professional leave of absence granted to all Huskie full-time head coaches.
“Greg was an exceptional coach and outstanding leader for the men’s basketball program during his time with Huskie Athletics,” said athletic director Basil Hughton. “He was a resource to our athletes and brought the ultimate success to our program with the CIS Championship in 2010. We thank him for his dedication to Huskie Athletics.”
Huskie Athletics will announce plans to address the coaching vacancy in the upcoming weeks. Jockims will stay on as head coach until August 24.
About Huskie Athletics
n 2011-12, Huskie Athletics will celebrate 100 years of Huskie Pride with Centennial celebrations! Huskie Athletics has 95 Canada West Championships and 25 CIS Championships under its belt. Huskie athletes leave the campus and the University of Saskatchewan with the skills to become successful at work, with family and in the community. Home to 893 all-stars since 1920, Huskie Athletics strives each year to provide quality programs for athletes while they prepare for the future. Huskie tickets can be purchased by calling, 306-966-1111 or online at huskies.usask.ca.