Lamoni, IA-Head Men's Basketball Coach Ted Quinn has officially announced his departure from Graceland University.

Quinn has accepted the Head Men's Coaching job at NCAA Division II Nyack University in Nyack, New York. This comes as an especially big blow to the Jacket family after Soccer Coach Ivan Joseph had announced his resignation less than a month ago. Quinn has been integral in the continuing development of the Jacket basketball program through his six years at Graceland, three as head coach. Coach Quinn's teams had success both on and off the court. His teams carried a cumulative 3.2 GPA in the classroom and were moving in the right direction on the court as they qualified for the HAAC post-season tournament for the first time under his tenure this year. Quinn also spent three years as assistant Coach at Graceland University under former Jacket coach Rich Harrop.

"Ted's hard work, time spent with the young men, and knowledge of the game will be missed by all of us at GU," stated Director of Athletics Dan Hanton. "The team had a great February which will hopefully carry over to the 2008-2009 season," finished Hanton.

Coach Quinn had this to say about his impending departure,"It has been an honor to have served the Graceland University students, staff, faculty, administration, alumni and community the past six years. This will always be a very special place for Jackie and me. This community welcomed us with open arms six years ago, witnessed our two children born and supported us in many ways. These decisions are always very difficult when you work with great people." Quinn continued, "I am pleased with the impact we were able to make on the Yellowjacket basketball program. I have been blessed to work with players that are serious about high academic achievement, possess a deep love for their teammates, and represent the mission of the university. I want to thank my assistant coaches and their families. They approached their jobs with great energy, commitment and loyalty to me and the university. I would also like to thank Director of Athletics, Dan Hanton and Vice President of Student Life, Tom Powell for their support, guidance and leadership during my tenure. Finally, I pray for God's blessings on this campus, the basketball and leadership programs, and the impact this university will make on current and future students," concluded Quinn.

Athletics Director Dan Hanton has named first year Assistant Coach Jeffrey Hamilton, a former NCAA Division I basketball player and graduate of Florida Atlantic University Interim Head Basketball Coach. Hamilton added this short statement, "I wish Ted Quinn the best of luck with his move. I am honored to be named Graceland's Interim Head Coach and I look forward to the future development of this program. Graceland University is a great place to establish your roots."

The Jacket family would like to wish Ted Quinn, his wife Jackie and their entire family the best of luck their future endeavors. They will be sorely missed from campus.