Basketball coach Tony Wallingford steps down

"I approached President Jeanes in early November to discuss details of a reassignment," said Wallingford, who is in his 26th year as a collegiate head coach and 21st season with Milligan. "What a wonderful experience I have had and so many great memories. But the time came recently where health concerns continued to manifest and I found myself at a crossroads. It was time to step back and seek positive change."

Wallingford goes out on a high, having just earned his 400th win with the Buffaloes on Jan. 24. He is ranked 9th nationally among active NAIA head coaches in winning percentage (.675) and 14th in wins (541). He is Milligan's all-time winningest coach, with more than 400 wins in 21 seasons.

A four-time Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Coach of the Year, Wallingford has led the Buffs to seven conference titles and two NAIA National Tournament appearances, including one Sweet Sixteen appearance. Wallingford's Milligan teams have compiled thirteen 20-win seasons. His seven conference championships rank him No. 1 among all AAC coaches. During his tenure, the men's basketball team has been ranked among the NAIA's top 25 seven times.

"I will cherish the relationships I had and still have with many of those players. I have been a member of a basketball team as a player or coach since 1968, 41 consecutive years. This was an extremely difficult decision for me and at the same time a very easy one," said Wallingford.

Wallingford said that focusing solely on men's and women's golf is a great opportunity and a good fit. He has been the Buffs' part-time coach since 1991 when the college had a club level team. He led the team to AAC championships in 2004, 2006 and 2007. They were NAIA Region XII Champions in 2007 and also made a National Tournament appearance that year. He was named AAC Coach of the Year three times and once by NAIA Region XII.

"I appreciate that college golf is an individual sport with a team component," he said. "While there is a technical side we address, I love the role of encourager, motivator and helping players improve. I want each participant in our program to have a great experience, athletically and academically. Ultimately, I relish the role of using the golf experience to assist them in their preparation for life beyond college. I am very excited about this new challenge."

He is also excited about helping Milligan implement a women's golf team. He is already recruiting players for this fall.

"Coach Wallingford has done an excellent job with our program," said Mark Fox, vice president for student development. "Milligan and its students have been the beneficiaries of his commitment and skills. Many of his former players are in positions of leadership and are outstanding citizens in their communities. With his credibility, commitment and knowledge, I am confident that over the next few years our men's and women's golf program will become one of the best in the NAIA."

Wallingford will also continue to teach in the college's human performance and exercise science program.

Fox said that a search process will begin immediately for a men's basketball coach.