Southwestern Community College Head Men’s Basketball Coach Blake Peterson resigned his position with the college yesterday to pursue other employment. His last day at Southwestern will be August 9. The college has launched an immediate search for a new men’s basketball coach, with the start of the fall semester just a month away.

In his letter of resignation, Peterson stated, “I want to thank everyone at Southwestern for this opportunity to not only grow as a coach but to grow as an individual as well. Thank you for everything during my tenure at Southwestern, and for welcoming me with open arms. I wish nothing but success in all future endeavors for the Spartan Nation.”

Peterson had been the head coach of the Southwestern men's basketball program since May 2018. Prior to this, he was an assistant coach for the team. During the 2017-18 season, he was a part of the Spartans amazing late-season run. The team ended with a record of 29-8 overall and finished as the number three team in the nation at the NJCAA DII National Championship.

Southwestern Athletic Director Doug North said the college wishes Peterson well and, due to timing, must quickly shift gears to get a new coach in place for the upcoming season.

“We’d like to thank Blake for his dedication and time with Southwestern,” North said. “We wish Blake luck on all that’s ahead.”

North said the athletic department’s next priority will be making sure the men’s basketball program has a seamless transition to new leadership.

“With the game schedule and roster already in place, we will conduct an efficient and thorough nationwide search to ensure the tradition of a strong men’s basketball program continues,” North stated.

The Southwestern athletic department is actively searching for an assistant men’s basketball coach as well. DJ Jenkins, who had been an assistant coach with the Spartans since 2017 recently accepted a position as assistant men’s basketball coach at Eastern Florida State.