June 6, 2007

CHICAGO - Mark Lovelace, an assistant men's basketball coach at Loyola University Chicago for the past three seasons, has resigned from his position to pursue other business opportunities. In three seasons with the Ramblers, Lovelace helped the program to 53 total wins, including the team's first 20-win campaign since 1984-85.

"We are losing a great asset to our program," Loyola head coach Jim Whitesell said. "Mark was the first person I hired when I arrived at Loyola and we have worked together for eight years. Mark is an excellent coach but an even better friend. We are sorry to see him leave our program but this is a great opportunity for both him and his family."

Lovelace arrived at Loyola with Whitesell for the 2004-05 season and helped the Ramblers overcome a predicted eighth-place Horizon League finish to claim fourth place and a trip to the Horizon League Championship semifinal round. The 2005-06 squad, which got off to the program's best start since 1965-66, posted a 19-11 overall record and established a Loyola single-season record with a .754 free throw percentage. Lovelace was instrumental in the development of guard Blake Schilb who was tabbed Honorable Mention All-America by the Associated Press to become Loyola's first AP All-American since Alfredrick Hughes in 1985.

"I would like to thank Coach Whitesell and the Loyola administration for the opportunity to have coached here," Lovelace said. "It has been a pleasure working for a first-class program and such a respected academic institution. I look forward to following the future success of the Ramblers for years to come."

Last season, Lovelace and the Ramblers recorded a 21-11 record for the first 20-win season in Rogers Park since the 1984-85 team went 27-6 and advanced to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen. Loyola knocked off No. 15 Butler at Hinkle Fieldhouse in late February for the Ramblers' first win over a ranked team since 1986. With that victory over Butler, Loyola claimed a victory over a team that reached the NCAA Sweet Sixteen for the second straight season.

A tireless recruiter, Lovelace also helped land talented classes that paid immediate dividends.

Prior to arriving at Loyola, Lovelace was the head coach at Saint Mary's University in Winona, Minn., and also was an assistant under Whitesell at Lewis University.