Rodney Watson Retires From Southern Indiana Basketball
Rodney Watson has retired from his post as the head coach of the University of Southern Indiana’s basketball team.
“Rodney Watson has been an exemplary leader for our men’s basketball program,” responded Jon Mark Hall, USI director of Athletics.
“Watson came to USI at a very pivotal time in our program’s history and he is now retiring with the Screaming Eagles in a very good place.”
Hall had hoped that Watson would not retire yet, but the situation could not be helped.
“I was hopeful that Rodney would keep coaching for a while, but I truly respect his decision to move onto the next phase of his life. I will never be able to express to him my true appreciation for how he has led our men’s basketball student athletes. The young men he has taught have been guided by a person with great integrity, humility and grace.”
School president, Ronald S. Rochon, echoed those sentiments.
“Coach Watson is to be applauded for his outstanding work both on and off the court,” he said.
“He has been a great asset to USI and has become a fixture in the community, in addition to forging life-long bonds with the student athletes he has mentored. We wish Rodney well in retirement, he will be missed.”
Watson took over as head coach of USI’s basketball team in 2009. Since then, he has gone 251-82 overall for a winning percentage of more than 75 percent. In his conference, the Great Lakes Valley Conference, he amassed a record of 142-60 – good for just over 70 percent.
Watson, for his part, will miss his players.
“By way of videoconference, I just finished meeting with our team to announce my retirement from coaching college basketball.” said Watson.
“With an outstanding group returning, Screaming Eagle Arena and the completion of phase II the timing is perfect for a new voice, new style and new energy.”
USI will now launch a far-reaching search for the school’s next basketball coach.
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A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.