Former Caldwell High School coach named interim leader of Marietta College women's basketball program
Tad Secrest to make debut at home Wednesday against Muskingum at 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 30, 2005
MARIETTA, Ohio — Tad Secrest is quite familiar with Marietta College’s basketball program. The former four-year member of the men’s basketball team, however, will have a new role within the athletics department, as he was named the interim head coach of the women’s basketball team Friday morning (Dec. 30), according to Debora Lazorik, Director of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation.

“I am pleased and appreciative that Tad is able to join us at this time and serve as our interim coach,” said Lazorik. “He is an excellent teacher and great motivator who will work with our assistant coach, Kesha Bradford. I am confident that our team will be well prepared for 2006 and the OAC schedule.”

Secrest, who played under coach Doug Foote from 1993-97, was the head women’s basketball coach at Caldwell High School from 2001-05. Secrest’s best season came in 2002-03 when he guided Caldwell to a 20-4 record and an appearance in the regional semifinals. He was named the District Coach of the Year for his efforts that season. Overall, Secrest went 45-20 in four seasons at Caldwell.

Secrest becomes the ninth women’s basketball coach in MC’s 32-year history and replaces Vicki Giffin, who resigned last week for personal reasons. The 1997 graduate of Marietta College also served as the assistant men’s basketball coach under Foote during 2000-01, before taking the coaching position at Caldwell.

“Any opportunity to work with a college women’s basketball team is great,” said Secrest. “It is even better when you get to do it back at home.”

The Pioneers are currently 3-8 overall and 0-4 in the Ohio Athletic Conference. Marietta returns to action Wednesday (Jan. 4) when it visits Muskingum for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off.

Tad Secrest, a 1997 graduate of Marietta College, will take over the women's basketball program as interim head coach