O'Brien named interim Guelph Gryphons head coach

GUELPH, Ont. - University of Guelph Gryphons women's basketball head coach Angela Orton will be taking a 12-month leave of absence from coaching for the upcoming 2010-11 season. Taking over the reins of the program as the interim head coach will be current assistant coach Tom O'Brien.

During the leave, Orton will assess her professional situation, focusing on her responsibilities as the Department of Athletics, manager of intercollegiate programs.  

"Guelph has been fortunate and privileged to have Angela at the helm of our women's basketball program for 22 years," said director of athletics Tom Kendall. "I want to thank Angela for her incredible contribution, passion towards the sport and mentorship to countless young women. Her commitment to excellence and dedication to her student-athletes were unparalleled."

After 22-seasons as the head coach of the Gryphons program Orton has established herself as one of the premier coaches in the OUA. Over the past nine years, she has been named the OUA West Division coach of the year on four occasions. Under her direction, in 2004-05 the Gryphons finished with the best record in the OUA and went on to win the first OUA women's basketball championship for the University of Guelph in 25 years.

"This is a good opportunity for me to step away from coaching for a year," said Orton.  "In the current climate the demands of a large intercollegiate program are ever growing.  With my dual responsibilities over the past two decades, not enough time has been available to do both of these jobs. I'm confident it will be a seamless transition with Tom (O'Brien) taking over the program. The team will be in great hands."

O'Brien will be taking over as the interim head coach for one season. O'Brien served as an assistant coach with the Gryphons this past season. He has coached for 31 years at St. David High School in Waterloo, Ont. During his tenure at the school he helped guide three teams to undefeated seasons and three District 8 titles. In 2007 his team won their first CWOSSA 'AAA' title.  He also has a long career coaching women's basketball at the university level with the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University.  His experience will be an invaluable asset to the team.

"Tom (O'Brien) is an excellent choice to take over the program," said Kendall. "As an assistant coach he has familiarity with the team and the athletes, while showing great leadership. His vast experience in coaching will undoubtedly help move this team forward."

O'Brien will begin his 12 month term as head coach effective immediately.  

Source: Guelph Gryphons