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Doug Karleskint out as Mules basketball head coach

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WARRENSBURG — The University of Central Missouri and Mules basketball head coach Doug Karleskint have parted ways.

The school announced Karleskint’s resignation Wednesday, March 1. He spent nine seasons at the helm, the last five in the bottom half of MIAA. Karleskint compiled a 135-119 record, 82-101 against conference opponents.

Central Missouri finished the 2022-23 season 11th out of 14 teams.

“UCM athletics thanks Doug and his family for all of their contributions and for being such a positive part of our athletic family,” UCM Interim Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Kathy Anderson said in a statement. “Doug gave tirelessly of himself to the men in his program and UCM athletics. We wish him and his family all the best in the future.”

The Mules missed out on an appearance in the MIAA Basketball Championships in four of the last five seasons under Karleskint. The top 10 programs made the tournament in each of those years, with the exception of the field’s reduction to eight in 2020-21 due to COVID-19.

Central Missouri concluded the 2022-23 season with an 11-17 record, four of those wins arriving against NAIA and National Christian College Athletic Association opponents. It went 7-14 in MIAA competition, including 2-9 on the road.

The Mules were in line to possibly move into the middle of the conference ahead of the season’s last three weeks.

They proceeded to lose out, dropping games against Nebraska-Kearney, Fort Hays State, Emporia State, Washburn, Rogers State and Northeastern State.

"I want to say that it was my honor and privilege to serve as the head men's basketball coach at UCM,” Karleskint said in a statement. “I want to thank our administration, alumni, students and fans for the opportunity and support. Most of all, I'm grateful for our players, past and present, and my staff for their tireless efforts and the energy they poured into this program. The memories and relationships we've built here will stay with us forever. The Karleskint family will be rooting hard for the Mules and Jennies."

Karleskint was hired in May 2014, taking over a program coming off an NCAA Division II National Championship after Kim Anderson departed to become head coach at the University of Missouri.

The Mules appeared in the Division II Tournament during Karleskint’s first season but have not since. In the 10 years prior to his leadership, the program advanced in a regional tournament seven times.

Central Missouri finished second in the MIAA twice under Karleskint, arriving in 2014-15 and 2016-17. They finished 12th in 2015-16, fifth in 2017-18, 11th in 2018-19, 12th in 2019-20, 12th in 2020-21 and eighth in 2021-22.

UCM compiled 23 All-MIAA selections during Karleskint’s tenure, including 2021-22 All-MIAA Defensive Player of the Year Ja’Cor Nelson.

"Coach Karleskint is a person of tremendous character and integrity, and I appreciate his leadership and development of the men in our basketball program over the last nine years." UCM President Dr. Roger Best said in a release. “His strong commitment to UCM and our mission during his tenure was unquestioned, and I wish him much success in his next opportunity."

Before taking the Central Missouri job, Karleskint spent four seasons at the helm of Arkansas Tech. He had a winning record each year, winning the GAC regular season title all four years.

Before Arkansas Tech, Karleskint served two seasons as an assistant coach at Division I Stephen F. Austin. The Lumberjacks won a Southland Conference regular season title both years and appeared in the NCAA Tournament in 2008-09.

Karleskint reached 20 wins three times at the helm of Central Missouri. UCM’s release states a search for his replacement will begin immediately. No interim coach was named. 

Joe Andrews can be reached at 660-747-8123.


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