Hancock, MI. (January 3, 2011) – Curtis Wittenberg, who has spent the last three and a half seasons behind the Lions bench has been released from his responsibilities as head women’s basketball coach effective immediately after tonight’s game against Lakeland College. Wittenberg has compiled a 28-58 overall record from 2007-2011.
 
“I have appreciated Curtis’s efforts and hard work in trying to build our women’s basketball team over the last four years, but given his teams’ performances,  this move is in the best interest of our program, “said Finlandia Athletic Director Chris Salani. “Tonight’s game against Lakeland will be Coach Wittenberg’s last game; in continuation for the season I’ve appointed Assistant Coach Shawn Hendrickson to take over for the remainder of the season as interim head coach.” 
 
“Ensuring that our student-athletes’ experience is beneficial and successful both on and off the court, we need to start pushing harder and better to create an environment throughout our athletic program that promotes success in competition,” said Salani.  “A national search for a coach who has demonstrated both coaching and recruiting success at the collegiate level will begin immediately. “ “It is my full intent to identify and recruit a women’s basketball coach that can help elevate our women’s basketball team to regional prominence and to develop a highly competitive women’s basketball environment.”
 
Coach Wittenberg will remain on staff with the Finlandia athletic program continuing his game event and facility management duties.
 
For further information, please contact Chris Salani by phone at 906-487-7378 or by email at chris.salani@finlandia.edu.