ron hunter: "...on second thought..."

I just received this from a representative of the IUPUI Jaguars Athletics Department:

IUPUI’S RON HUNTER WITHDRAWS NAME FROM BALL STATE COACHING SEARCH

INDIANAPOLIS - IUPUI head basketball coach Ron Hunter has withdrawn his name from the Ball State head coaching candidate search. Hunter, IUPUI’s all-time leader in wins (207) and career winning percentage (.545), is entering his 14th season with the university.

The Ball State job became vacant when Ronny Thompson resigned after one season.

“I was flattered to be in consideration, but I want to be at IUPUI. We look forward to preparing our squad for the 2007-08 season and competing for a Summit League championship.

“I took the opportunity to explore another professional opportunity, but have ultimately decided that I’m happy at IUPUI.”

Hunter has no further comments on the matter at this time.

i guess this is an official announcement...or something.

Without making a big fuss over things, I hinted to IUPUI Jags personnel today that the upcoming soccer and basketball seasons will, most likely, be my final as PA announcer for the program.

Given my intentions to relocate to Las Vegas by as early as August 08, I think the distance would create a rather difficult commute.

Nothing is etched in stone and I certainly enjoy working for the program, but I have decided it's time to pursue other interests in the desert.

There's a good chance I could still be living in Indy well into 2009, depending on the Vegas job market, but after much consideration I felt it was probably best to step aside well before the 08-09 season to allow ample time for the SID to name a replacement.

It's not like my job is brain surgery or anything. They'll have no trouble filling the spot, I believe.

For me personally, though, I admit I'll miss being at the scorers table. I've always told people I get to watch basketball from the best seat in the house. And the camaraderie between myself and the guys at the table has always been great.

Also, it goes without saying that I'll miss the interaction with all the students: the athletes, cheerleaders, dancers and, last but not least, the Pep Band. I'm pushing 40 but always feel young when I'm around them.

So I'm going to savor as much of this season as possible. I'm going to enjoy every moment at every game. And I'll go to one more conference tournament to watch our teams compete.

I look forward to my future in Las Vegas, but I'll certainly miss the experience I've had as a PA announcer for the Jags.

Onward.

BREAKING NEWS!!!!! RON HUNTER LEAVING FOR BALL STATE

ESPN.com is reporting Ron Hunter is set to take over as head coach of Ball State University.

See for yourself:

IUPUI's Hunter expected to replace Thompson at Ball State

By Andy Katz

Barring an unexpected impasse, Ball State and IUPUI head coach Ron Hunter are expected to agree on a contract that would make him the new Cardinals coach.

Hunter is the top candidate to replace Ronny Thompson, multiple sources said over the weekend. Thompson abruptly resigned July 13 after one season as Ball State coach after an internal investigation found that he and his staff violated NCAA rules in 2006 and last May by attending voluntary offseason team workouts. The coaches lied about their involvement in the May infraction, the school has said. Read more.

Stay tuned.