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SEATTLE (Apr. 16, 2002) ­ Ken Bone, who guided Seattle Pacific University through its most successful era of men's basketball, has announced his resignation as head coach. Bone has accepted a position on Lorenzo Romar's University of Washington staff and begins his new duties immediately.

In Bone's 12 seasons, the Falcons won a higher percentage of games (.723), more conference titles (6) and earned more NCAA tournament berths (8) than any other period in the program's 59-year existence. Bone, 43, finished with a record of 253-97, including a mark of 24-5 this past season when SPU claimed a share of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference championship and advanced to the second round of the Division II tournament. Seattle Pacific was ranked No. 9 in the final coaches poll.

"It's a great opportunity to go to the University of Washington and be part of Lorenzo Romar's coaching staff, and I think for me and my family its a good career move," said Bone. "At the same time, leaving Seattle Pacific is very difficult because I've given 16 years of my life to this institution and it's an unbelievably great place to work."

"An outstanding coach and leader like Ken deserves this recognition and opportunity to apply his skills at Washington," said Tom Box, athletic director. "Today we celebrate Ken's selection to Coach Romar's staff because we know it's something that Ken desires. Coach Bone has excelled as a mentor to his players, as a trusted colleague and as a close friend to many in our community. His departure from SPU basketball is immense and will take the breath away from Falcon fans, but we are already moving to put a process in place to assure a new coach will be announced as soon as appropriate."

Seattle Pacific posted eight 20-win seasons under Bone, including each of the last four years. The Falcons reached the Sweet 16 five times in the last eight years. They won the West Regional en route to the 2000 Final Four‹the best-ever postseason advancement for an SPU squad. Following that season, Bone was voted Pacific West Conference and NABC District 8 Coach of the Year. Each of his teams finished with a winning record and he trails only Les Habegger (1957-74) in total victories.

"I'm proud of the fact that we've been able to bring in quality kids over a long period of time that have kept the winning tradition alive at Seattle Pacific," said Bone. "And I have no reason but to believe that tradition will carry on into the future. I plan on following the team and their future success."

Bone became the first alum to coach the Falcons when he succeeded Claude Terry in 1990. He had been an assistant to Terry for four seasons.

"The most difficult thing about leaving SPU is friendships I've developed over the years. I deeply appreciate the support men's basketball and I have received during my time here."

Bone's Career Coaching Record