GRAMBLING, La. – The Grambling State University Department of Athletics has announced that head men’s basketball coach Larry Wright and head women’s coach David “Rusty” Ponton will not be retained for the 2008-09 season.
“I applaud the dedication both head coaches have put into their programs during their tenure at Grambling,” stated Grambling State Director of Athletics Troy Mathieu. “However, as we look to take our basketball programs to a higher level of competitiveness, a change in leadership was necessary.”
The university will begin the process of conducting a comprehensive search to fill both positions. While the search is taking place, Senior Woman Administrator and Lady Tiger assistant coach Sharon Perkins and men’s assistant coach Kenny Sykes will serve as interim coaches for their respective programs.
This is a loss for Grambling State University. Coach Ponton was more than a girl’s basketball coach, he was an ambassador to the university. Not only did he attend football games, he attended other sports as well. He was a great mentor and coach and God will surely find him a great program to run. Jay “Burger” Rainey SWAC Tennis Champ 94,95
Larry and Ponton,will be missed,but the nature of the business they are in,is to win,they are my friends,but this has nothing to do with friendship.Ponton was good for the University and will be missed.Larry was a great player here,but the wins never came for what ever reason.I hate to see them go,I was hoping for another year since they let them open the new building.
This has become a very sad issue at Grambling State University,I dont understand why it take so long to hire a coach,this is sad.I am sure if the AD new he would be looking for a coach come March,he would gather a short list during the holidays.I am very hurt that we take forever to get things done.