JAMESTOWN - Jeff Trumbauer and Mark Wiest were hired less than two months a part six years ago as the men's and women's basketball coaches at Jamestown College.
On Monday, the school announced both are leaving.
Trumbauer, who compiled a 94-84 record in his six seasons, is leaving to become Tom Billeter's right-hand man at Division II Augustana College.
Trumbauer, a native of Battle Lake, Minn., wasn't actively pursuing a new job, but the opportunity to return to a school he's familiar with was too good to pass up.
The instability within the Dakota Athletic Conference also played a part in Trumbauer's decision. When Minot State leaves for Division II after the coming season, the league will be down to seven schools, three fewer than when it morphed from the NDCAC to the DAC in 2000.
ADVERTISEMENT
Wiest on the other hand, was looking to turn a page in his career path and will be the new principal at St. John's Academy.
"I've known Jeff and Mark both had concerns. They were different concerns as it relates to their own situations. For us, we're losing two quality coaches and two good people and that's always tough," Jamestown College athletic director Lawrie Paulson said. "We hate to see them leave, but it's not a big surprise."
Both are leaving on high notes.
Trumbauer led the Jimmie men to the NAIA national tournament for the second time in three years and a number of players off that team return this season. But he also has ambitions and returning to budding D-II power Augustana, where he served as an assistant in 2004, seemed like the logical next step.
"Becoming the head coach at Augustana is a big goal of mine, but we all know there are no guarantees in this business," he said.
Wiest, who led the Jimmies to a school-record 26 wins last season, and the second round of the national tournament, was ready for a change. With three kids, ages 10, 8 and 5, his family came first.
"I asked myself, 'Am I going to miss coaching more or miss being around my kids more,'" he said. "For me, that was a no-brainer."
Wiest went 105-69 at his alma mater. He's been coaching for 18 years, 13 as a head coach, including at Jamestown High School from 1997-2003.
ADVERTISEMENT
Paulson already has received several inquiries for both jobs. Most of the recruiting for next season is done, but he'd still like to have new coaches in place as soon as possible.
"I can't imagine the timing being better for us under the circumstances," Paulson said. "We have a lot to offer. There are a lot of positives here. We expect to get strong candidates and hire excellent coaches for both jobs."
Dave Selvig is the sports editor at The Jamestown Sun, which is owned by Forum Communications Co.
