UAPB coach Holt resigns

• Advocate news services
• Published: Mar 19, 2008 - UPDATED: 6:38 a.m.

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PINE BLUFF, Ark. — Arkansas-Pine Bluff coach Van Holt has resigned, saying he had “anticipated better results” but will continue to support the school.

The school announced Tuesday that Holt offered his immediate resignation Monday and the school accepted.

“It has been a labor of love for me and I believe much has been accomplished,” Holt said in his resignation letter. “I take great pride in the improvements in the program and had anticipated better results and a brighter future. I will continue to be a supporter of UAPB.”

Holt is 50-124 overall and 35-73 in Southwestern Athletic Conference games in his six years at the university. He won a season-best 13 games twice — in 2005-06 and 2007-08 — and led the Golden Lions to a 9-9 conference best mark during the 2006-07 season.

Recently, Holt led the Golden Lions (13-18, 8-10 SWAC) to their third consecutive SWAC tournament. UAPB was eliminated in the semifinals by eventual tournament champion Mississippi Valley State. UAPB’s best run was in 2006, when the Golden Lions advanced to the championship game before losing to Southern 57-44.

“Van Holt is a class individual,” UAPB Athletic Director Louis “Skip” Perkins said. “Accepting his resignation was difficult, but we are extremely grateful for all the hard work and time coach Holt has put in here.”

Perkins said a search for Holt’s replacement will begin immediately.

Weems expected to play

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Sonny Weems, Arkansas’ leading scorer, hurt his knee at practice but is not expected to miss the Razorbacks’ first-round NCAA tournament game against Indiana.

“He may not practice again later today,” coach John Pelphrey said between practice sessions Tuesday. “But I do not anticipate that keeping him out.”

Weems, a senior swingman, averages 14.3 points per game this season.

Purnell agrees to contract

CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson coach Oliver Purnell agreed to a two-year contract extension on Tuesday that could keep him with the Tigers through 2014.