Cottingham Retires After 27 Years, Leaves Lasting Impact at SAU

SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – After nearly three decades of leadership, impact, and excellence, Ryan Cottingham has announced his retirement as head coach of the Spring Arbor University men's basketball program.

"Coach Cottingham built something that will outlast any single season or championship," said Ryan Marken, Interim Director of Athletics. "His love for Jesus created an outpouring of grace, truth, and genuine care into every athlete he coached. He showed our student-athletes what it looks like to compete with integrity, lead with toughness, and experience unity. His faithfulness to the Lord and love for each of his athletes set a standard for this program that we are committed to carrying forward."

Chief of Staff Corey Ross remarked on a quote popular with Ryan. "Ryan often shared with athletes and recruits that 'Winning is always our goal, never our purpose.' At Spring Arbor, that ultimate purpose has always been Jesus Christ – a relationship that Ryan nurtured in himself and others as coach and Athletic Director. He built a program where young men were formed in the image of Christ through the vehicle of basketball, and that distinction shaped everything about the way he coached and the men he developed."

Under Cottingham's leadership, Spring Arbor reached the pinnacle of collegiate success, highlighted by the 2019 NAIA Division II National Championship. He also guided the Cougars to back-to-back NCCAA National Championships in 2005 and 2006, along with a Crossroads League regular season title in 2018-19.

His connection to Spring Arbor runs deep. A former student-athlete, Cottingham played for the Cougars from 1992-94 and graduated in 1994. He scored over 1,000 career points (1,028) and earned NAIA Honorable Mention All-American and NCCAA All-American honors.

Cottingham returned to SAU as an assistant coach for the 1998-99 season before taking over as head coach in 1999. In total, he has been a part of the Spring Arbor community for more than 30 years.

In addition to his coaching duties, Cottingham served in key leadership roles within the athletic department, including a decade as Athletic Director from 2012-2022 and six years as Assistant Athletic Director prior to that.

While his accomplishments on the court are extensive, those closest to the program will remember Cottingham most for his unwavering commitment to developing the whole person. Through mentorship, discipleship and daily example, he poured into countless student-athletes, leaving a lasting spiritual and personal impact that will continue well beyond his coaching career.

"Ryan Cottingham embodies what it means to be part of the Spring Arbor University community," said President Brent Ellis. "He poured his life into young men, shaping their character as intentionally as he developed their game. We are grateful for his faithfulness, first to Christ, secondly to our university, and finally to his players. We are confident that his legacy will continue to shape lives for years to come."

Cottingham's impact will be felt well beyond his time on the sidelines, as the standard he established continues to shape the Spring Arbor men's basketball program, those who have been part of it, and the entire campus community.

MESSAGE FROM RYAN TO THE SAU COMMUNITY:
"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity I've had to serve as the men's basketball coach at SAU. It has been a transformational journey, and I give God the glory. I did my best to honor and glorify my Lord and Savior!

I'm thankful Coach Burbridge (former Director of Athletics) gave a young clueless assistant coach a chance to lead his alma mater. When I started, I didn't realize how blessed I was to have my office surrounded by Coach Burb, Coach Bockwitz, Kay Dunckel, and Ted Comden. These individuals were instrumental in my development during the early years, especially Coach Bock (and his wife, Karen) who was like a father to me.

I was privileged to coach talented young men with high character through the years, and I'm certain I learned way more from them than they did me. I want to give a shout out to our players' parents who played a valuable role in our program.

I cannot thank my assistant coaches enough for their hard work, dedication, and commitment. They were uniquely gifted and had a profound impact on our players and on me. It was a joy serving alongside them. Thank you Coach Bock, Lee Ingles, Scott Goddard, Brian Snyder, Brandon Baum, Brian Woodhurst, Creighton Burns, Josh Tropea, Jim Brown, Jeff Beckman, and Ted Stowe. I want to highlight Brandon and Jim who were with me for an extended time – you gentlemen are special!

To our alums and the mentors who have poured into me along the way, I am indebted. Your passion for Christ and the Cougar blue and yellow encouraged and inspired me.

Finally, I want to thank my amazing wife, Christy. I love you and I am grateful for the sacrifices you made to allow me to chase my dream. "Momma C," you loved the guys exceptionally well and played an integral role in our team culture.

I am humbled to forever be a part of the Cougar Family!"