SCC’s Reynolds Retires After 17 Years

Southern California College men’s basketball Coach Bill Reynolds announced his retirement Monday, ending a 17-year head coaching career at the school.

Reynolds met with his players at 4 p.m. to inform them.

“It was difficult sharing with the team,” Reynolds said. “I love the kids and this school so much. This is something I’ve thought and prayed about for a long time.

“It’s time for me to spend more time with my family.”

Reynolds, 57, compiled a 354-184 record at SCC. His teams won three Golden State Athletic Conference championships and the District 3 championship in 1990, taking his team to the NAIA national tournament that season.

He coached boys’ basketball for 12 seasons at La Quinta High and two more at Bolsa Grande. He was an assistant for one season at SCC before he took over in 1981.

SCC reached the GSAC tournament semifinals this season, but lost to Azusa Pacific, the third-ranked team in the nation, 93-85, Saturday. Reynolds didn’t want to inform anyone of his intent to retire until the season ended.

“We didn’t need it to be a ‘Win one for Coach Bill’ kind of thing,” Reynolds said. “The kids didn’t need any artificial incentives. They played their hearts out.”

Reynolds, who will continue to work as a full-time counselor at Bolsa Grande, said working as a walk-on coach at SCC and commuting between Garden Grove and Costa Mesa to make afternoon practices at SCC began to take its toll.

“I’d be changing one shoe while sitting at a stop light wondering, ‘What am I doing?’ ” Reynolds said. “SCC deserves someone who will devote their full time and effort to the job.”

Several years ago, SCC tried to bring Reynolds on-campus full time, but a financial package couldn’t be arranged.

SCC Athletic Director Bob Wilson said the new coach will fill a full-time on-campus position.