Courtesy Appalachian Sports InformationBOONE, N.C. — Houston Fancher resigned as men’s basketball head coach at Appalachian State University on Monday evening, effective immediately.
In nine seasons at the helm of the program, Fancher posted a 137-136 overall record, which included three Southern Conference North Division championships (2002-03, 2006-07 and 2007-08). In 2006-07, he led Appalachian to a school-record 25 wins, the San Juan Shootout championship and a berth in the National Invitation Tournament. He was named the SoCon Coach of the Year in 2002-03 after winning the first of his three North Division titles.
In addition to the success on the court, the NCAA presented Fancher’s squads with NCAA Public Recognition Awards in 2005-06 and 2006-07. The NCAA Public Recognition Awards honor programs that rank among the nation’s top 10 percent in their sport in Academic Progress Rate scores. ASU men’s basketball fell just hundredths of a percentage point shy of receiving the recognition for a third-consecutive year in 2007-08.
Prior to taking the reins as head coach in 2000, Fancher spent two seasons as an assistant coach and two as associate head coach at ASU under Buzz Peterson. During that time from 1996-2000, Fancher helped lead the Mountaineers to three 20-win seasons, three North Division crowns and the 2000 SoCon Tournament championship and a berth in the NCAA Tournament.
Before his arrival at Appalachian, Fancher spent one season as an assistant at Vanderbilt (1995-96). He began his coaching career with four seasons as an assistant at Maryville College (1988-92) and cut his teeth as a head coach with three seasons at North Greenville College (1992-95). In 12 total years as a head coach, Fancher sports a 181-177 overall record.
“We appreciate everything that Coach Fancher has done for Appalachian men’s basketball, Mountaineer athletics and the University as a whole over the past 13 years,” director of athletics Charlie Cobb said. “He has been a terrific ambassador for ASU, a valued member of the community and an outstanding leader of young men. We wish Coach Fancher nothing but the best in his future endeavors.”
“I’m thankful for the opportunity to represent Appalachian State University for the past 13 years, including the last nine as head coach. I hope that I have done so with the class and dignity that the position deserves” Fancher said. “I want to thank Chancellor (Dr. Kenneth E.) Peacock and Charlie Cobb for their support. It has been a wonderful experience for me to build a program. The next head coach at ASU will be fortunate to coach the terrific group of kids that are in the program.”
Fancher will be paid the remainder of his contract which runs through March 2010. A nationwide search for the 15th head coach in Appalachian men’s basketball history will begin immediately.
