EMORY, Va. – Emory & Henry College Head Men's Basketball Coach Paul Russo has resigned effective March 29, Director of Athletics Myra Sims announced Monday. Russo served at the helm of the Wasps' program for the past six years, compiling a 42-112 record.

"I am very grateful for having the opportunity to serve as the basketball coach at Emory & Henry," Russo said in a statement Monday afternoon. "At this time I will pursue opportunities outside of coaching as I begin a new chapter in my life. I will forever cherish my time as a player and coach at E&H. I am thankful to have learned and worked alongside a very special group of faculty and staff and to have coached outstanding student-athletes. Emory & Henry holds a special place in the hearts of its alumni and like so many others, I am proud to refer to exit 26 as home."

Russo, a 2003 Emory & Henry graduate and four-year letterwinner for the Wasps, saw two of his players earn All-Old Dominion Athletic Conference honors. Terrance Grigg was named to the second team in 2010-11 while Malcolm Green earned all-league third-team honors in 2011-12.

"I have appreciated the opportunity to work with Paul for the past three years as he is a professional with great loyalty to - and love for - this institution and the men's basketball program," said Sims. "We will miss having him on staff and wish him the best of luck as he moves on from E&H.

A nationwide search for Emory & Henry's next men's basketball coach will begin immediately.

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