(WOLFVILLE, N.S.) Acadia University announced today that Acadia men's basketball team head coach Stephen Baur has accepted a full-time position with Canada Basketball's women's national team program, ending his six-year head coaching career at Acadia that included one Atlantic University Sport championship and three AUS championship final appearances.
Director of athletics at Acadia University Kevin Dickie praised Baur for his contribution to Acadia basketball over his six-year career. "I have very mixed emotions. As our athletics director, I am sad to see a tremendous person leave Acadia. But as a friend, I am very happy and proud of Steve," he said. "His aspirations to be with our national program have been clear to me for some time to the extent that I was a reference for him."
"With that being said, our Axemen basketball team is now a nationally competitive program and that will not change as we move forward into the coming season and for the years to come," added Dickie."
During the six seasons as head coach of the Axemen, Baur posted a 66-54 regular season record and an AUS playoff record of six wins and five losses. Under his leadership, Acadia had three consecutive appearances at the Canadian Interuniversity Sport Final 8 from 2010 to 2013 that included a loss in the bronze medal game in 2012-13 and a consolation win in 2011-12. This past season, Baur was named the AUS coach of the year. The Axemen finished first in the 2013-14 AUS regular season with a 15-5 record, but fell short in advancing to the CIS Final 8.
Prior to taking over as the head coach at Acadia in 2008, Baur spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Acadia, including serving as the interim head coach following their 2008 CIS silver medal season. During his tenure, Baur became a prolific recruiter, capturing the attention of many when he was able to attract current national team member and Kingston, Ont. native Owen Klassen to the Axemen in 2009. Along with Klassen, Baur attracted other top Atlantic Canadian and national recruits during his time at Acadia.
Baur's Acadia career includes three CIS all-Canadians, two CIS all-rookies, 10 AUS all-stars and six AUS all-rookies over his six-year reign.
"My time at Acadia will always be in my heart. With time here as a student, assistant and head coach, I have enjoyed over 15 years in a community that has helped shape who I am," said Baur. "I am excited for the next chapter, and want to thank Les Berry, Brian Heaney, and Kevin Dickie for believing in me and giving me this opportunity."
"I feel so fortunate to have worked with the great young men at Acadia and look forward to watching their progress during the remainder of their time and into the next stages of their lives."
Source: Acadia Sports Information