Steelheads Head Coach Duane Ticknor Resigns

January 21, 2005 - Continental Basketball Association 1 (CBA 1)
Gary Steelheads News Release


Gary, IN: The Gary Steelheads announced today the resignation of Head Coach Duane Ticknor. This resignation was due to health and family issues.

"Effective January 21st, I have received and accepted Coach Ticknor's letter of resignation," stated Steelheads Owner and Chief Executive Officer Jewell Harris, Sr. "While I am disappointed that he will no longer be able to provide the great leadership, coaching ability and technique that he brings to the organization, I do recognize that the quality of our health to ourselves and our family should and will always be our top priority. I would want Coach Ticknor to always take pride in the success of the Gary Steelheads. He played a major role and I will always be grateful to his wife (Mary) and his son (David). Without them he would not be able to perform at the level that was so satisfying to all of us. He will always be in my prayers."

"I would also like to take this opportunity to name Dale Osbourne as our new permanent Head Coach for the Gary Steelheads. The relationship and companionship between the coach and the assistant coach that was established between the two put the organization in a win win situation. This allows us to move Dale into the position as Head Coach. I don't believe we will miss a beat."

"While I am grateful for this opportunity, I wish it would come under different circumstances, said new Head Coach Dale Osbourne. "Duane is not only a great coach, but a greater person. I also share his concerns as it relates to his health. I would like to take thank Mr. Harris for this chance to coach the Steelheads."

Osbourne becomes the fourth Head Coach in Steelheads history. He has served as the Associate Head Coach for the past two and a half seasons. He has also served as the Head Coach of the Dodge City Legend of the United States Basketball League in 2004. Osbourne led the Legend to a 22-8 regular season record, best in the USBL. His team also had a 15 game winning streak, tied for the longest in USBL history, and was undefeated at home for the second consecutive year.

Osbourne served as a student assistant coach at his alma mater, South Alabama in 1988-89. He returned to South Alabama as an assistant coach under Bill Musselman from 1992-1999. South Alabama was Sun Belt Conference champions in 1996-97 and 1997-98.

Osbourne served two years as an assistant coach with the Grand Rapids Hoops. He served under Mark Hughes, who is now an assistant coach with the Orlando Magic. His wealth of coaching experience includes working with the Vasda Legacy Exhibition Tour and All-Star Team in Atlanta, Ga. and Shanghai, China respectively. He also coached at Vanguard High School in Ocala, Fla. from 1989-1992.



Continental Basketball Association 1 Stories from January 21, 2005


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