Russo steps down at Regina

Updated: March 23, 2011 3:02PM

Jim Russo and the Regina administration no longer shared the same

vision for the basketball program.

That's why Russo resigned his post as the school's varsity coach

Tuesday. Athletic director Bob Carlson agreed the separation was

mutual.

"I couldn't guarantee them that things were going to be any different,

so they decided to take a different direction," said Russo, who spent

nine seasons as the head coach. "I told them I can't reinvent the

wheel, and I didn't want to stand in the way.

"I will continue to be a friend of the program."

The Panthers ended their season 5-23 with a 48-26 loss to Vernon Hills

in the semifinals of the Class 2A Vernon Hills Regional. Regina loses

starter Vanessa Kieres, but the Panthers were a young club. At times

this season, Russo started four sophomores.

"There are no hard feelings," the second-year AD Carlson said. "We are

getting the word out now and starting the search. I would like to have

someone in next three or four weeks."

Russo, who also is intimately involved in the state's AAU circuit, was

known for his challenging regular-season schedule and success in the

playoffs. He won four regional titles and guided the Panthers to third

place in Class AA in 2003.

The Panthers played in arguably two of the toughest holiday

tournaments at Buffalo Grove for Thanksgiving and Dundee-Crown for

Christmas. At the two tournaments, Regina competed against Fenwick,

Libertyville and Maine South. All three teams were No. 1 seeds in

Class 4A sectionals.

Russo said the administration wants to lighten the scheduling load

going forward and has entered in Immaculate Conception's Thanksgiving

tournament next season. The Panthers already play in a challenging

conference, the GCAC Red with Trinity and Loyola.

"I always felt what didn't kill you made you stronger," Russo said. "I

think I did a good job."

Russo isn't sure if or when he will coach again. He's not closing any

doors just yet.

"I will continue to stay involved with basketball, but I am going to

take some time and evaluate my options," he said.

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