Springer out at SU

Dave Springer is a Raider no more

After a 7–20 regular season and a first round exit in the PSAC playoffs, SU men’s basketball coach Dave Springer’s contract was not renewed by Shippensburg University, putting an end to his 12-year career at SU.

Director of Athletics, Jeff Michaels, issued a statement Monday afternoon regarding the former coach.

“Dave has been an outstanding ambassador for Shippensburg University and we wish him the best in his career.”

Through the 12 years at the helm of the Raiders, Springer posted a 144–189 record including three straight trips to the PSAC playoffs from 2004–2005 to 2006–2007. Springer posted a record of 59–32 during that time period and earned PSAC West Division Coach of the Year in 2005–2006 after his team made a trip to the NCAA Tournament.

However, since the 2006–2007 season, Springer has led his team to a mediocre 58–106 record — three of those seasons SU did not register double-digit win totals.

This season proved to be the toughest for Springer. Trotting out a roster that contained eight freshmen, the Raiders struggled throughout the season. SU ranked consistently in the bottom of the PSAC in all major categories — scoring offense (14th), scoring defense (12th), turnover margin (14th) and rebounding margin (14th). SU’s 7–20 season included a 10–game losing streak in which the Raiders lost by 10.4 points per game.

Springer has been a coach in the PSAC for 24 years, including 13 seasons as a head coach and 11 as an assistant coach.

SU will start the coaching search immediately for the 2013–2014 season.