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SCC Men's Basketball Coach Retires, Asst. Coach Promoted

The men's basketball team at Southeastern Community College is beginning 2017 with a new head coach, following the retirement of Terry Carroll after ten years at the helm. Assistant Coach Lorenzo Watkins has been named Interim Head Coach.

The college announced the coaching change through a news release dated Jan. 3. It said Carroll took the college’s early retirement incentive offered last fall.

“My wife and I had thought about it for a while,” said Carroll, “and when the College announced their early retirement package, we decided this would be the right time.”

The college said Carroll will be involved in special fundraising projects until his contract runs out June 30, 2017. He said he has no immediate plans for what he will do during retirement.

“I think I’ve worked every holiday during basketball season for the past 39 years,” said Carroll. “Maybe I’ll take up gardening or hunting or fishing. Or maybe just spend time with my grandkids. Whatever it is, I’m looking forward to it.”

Carroll’s record at SCC was 211-89, and his teams made three consecutive trips to the national tournament (2009-2011). His previous coaching stops include Drake University, Iowa State University, and Indian Hills Community College.

In fact, Lorenzo Watkins played for and coached under Carroll at IHCC. Watkins eventually made his way in 2009 to SCC, where he now takes over.

“The players know Coach Watkins,” said Carroll. “They’re familiar with his style and so this should help keep any anxieties about changes in leadership direction that they may have to a minimum. New recruits don’t have to worry about signing with a team not knowing who the coach will be or if the program will be a good fit for them.”

Watkins said he’s excited to lead the team, which sits at 9-6 ahead of a home game, Jan. 4 with Black Hawk College.

“We’re just starting conference play,” said Watkins. “We’ve had some good successes and a fair share of learning opportunities. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.”

Jason Parrott is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.