Lake Region State College President Doug Darling and Athletic Director and Head Women’s Basketball Coach Danny Mertens have signed a mutual separation agreement.
The announcement was made to the LRSC campus earlier today after college officials met with the women’s basketball team regarding Mertens’ departure and interim changes in leadership for Royals Athletics, said Lloyd Halvorson, LRSC Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs.
The college said the decision for Mertens to step down was a mutual one. “We wish Danny the best in the future. He was a big part of our women’s basketball program and their longstanding tradition of success,” Halvorson said.
Men’s Basketball Coach Jared Marshall will remain interim Athletic Director until a permanent one is named. Colden Hutton will continue to serve as interim head women’s basketball coach.
“This is a difficult day for me and my family. LRSC has been like a second home for most of my adult life. I will continue to be a fan of LRSC athletics and am proud to have coached so many talented Lady Royals these past 17 years”, Mertens said.
Mertens was in his 8th season as the Lady Royals Head Coach and in his 17th season overall at LRSC. Mertens earned two Mon-Dak Conference Championships, two Region XIII Championships, and two District D Championships. His teams qualified for the national tournament during the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 seasons. Mertens was the 2015 and 2016 Mon-Dak, Region XIII and District D Coach of the Year.
Mertens departs with a little over 6 months left on his 2021/2022 appointment. He had been on paid administrative leave since October 29th.
Lake Region State College will take some time to assess the overall structure of the athletics department before looking at options to fill the head coach and athletic director vacancy, Halvorson said.