EUGENE– Jody Runge, the University of Oregon women’s basketball coach, resigned her position effective today, April 30.

"The events of the last six weeks have led me to the conclusion that it is in the best interests of the program to resign at this time," Coach Runge noted. "I regret I will not be able to coach the fine group of women who will enter our program this fall. I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to the community, and I wish the team well next season."

Athletic Director Bill Moos thanked Runge for her efforts saying, "Both the university and the athletic program agree the Jody Runge era will long be remembered for producing an unprecedented winning record. We greatly appreciate Jody’s efforts to improve the program and women’s basketball overall. She moved our program to a level that put us among the premier programs in the Pacific-10 Conference. For that we, at the university and in the community, are most grateful."

"I have been apprised of the situation throughout this review process, and I believe this is a good resolution for the university and all involved," said UO President Dave Frohnmayer.

Moos announced a national search for Runge’s successor will begin immediately.

Runge began her coaching career at the University of Oregon in 1993. She achieved her 100th career Pac-10 victory in the home finale March 10 against Oregon State University.

Since Runge’s start at the UO, the Ducks’ record is 87-19 at home court, and the team was ranked for 12 straight weeks in the Associated Press poll. Runge had a 19-30 record, including 13-8 at McArthur Court, against nationally ranked opponents (AP Poll) in her tenure at the UO.

Before arriving in Eugene, Runge served as an assistant coach and primary recruiter at the University of Missouri from 1989 to 1993.

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