Vanguard men’s basketball coach resigns

Vanguard University men’s basketball coach Fred Litzenberger has resigned, the school announced Tuesday.

Litzenberger compiled a 39-75 record in four seasons as head coach. He spent his first season in the program as associate head coach.

The Lions were 5-21 this season, 4-16 in the Golden State Athletic Conference. His best season was 2007-08, when the team finished 20-10, 13-7 in conference, and lost in the quarterfinals of the conference tournament.

Vanguard Athletic Director Bob Wilson, whom Litzenberger succeeded as coach, said in a statement that the search for a replacement has already begun.

“Fred has worked extremely hard in an attempt to bring success to the men’s basketball program,” Wilson said. “He asked to be relieved from his position so he might pursue another opportunity to teach the game of basketball.”

Litzenberger came to Vanguard after 10 seasons at Oregon, where he worked with the Ducks’ men’s and women’s programs as an assistant. As associate head coach in 2005-06, Litzenberger, known for his defensive expertise, helped the Lions finish 20-13 and make the NAIA Tournament.

— From staff reports