Wade Quits, Calls For New Era At Ewu With Two Years Left On Contract, Basketball Coach Ends Frustrating Ride At Eastern

John Wade, who never won more than six games in any of the last four seasons as head men’s basketball coach at Eastern Washington University, resigned Wednesday.

EWU athletic director John Johnson said the search for a replacement is under way.

In five seasons, Wade’s teams compiled a 34-98 record, including 6-20 last season. The former EWU player and assistant, who had two years remaining on a three-year contract, did not return messages left Wednesday at his home and office.

An EWU release quoted Wade as saying, “I have been proud to be part of (EWU), but now is the time for Eastern to begin a new era and take the next step.”

Wade expressed his frustration at times last season, and there was speculation he may resign. But Wade disputed that suggestion when contacted last month. A source close to the situation indicated Wednesday that Wade was pressured to resign.

Johnson disputed that claim. “John puts a lot of pressure on himself and he works very hard and has always been very committed to what he does,” he said. “The last couple of seasons have been hard on him.”

Wade’s resignation seemed less likely late last season, when junior Melvin Lewis, arguably Wade’s best recruit, helped Eastern become competitive. A victory Feb. 11 at Boise State broke a 29-game Big Sky Conference losing streak and a 44-game road slide, and the Eagles won two of their final four games.

Six of Wade’s top eight players return, including Lewis, the Big Sky’s best center by season’s end.

“It shocked me,” Lewis said.

Point guard Brett Thompson was also surprised, and defended his former coach. “My immediate reaction was I felt bad for him,” Thompson said. “I’ve been here three years and feel partly responsible. He wasn’t the one out there playing. It was me turning the ball over six times against Montana State. Or you could name any school in the conference, and it was probably six times.”

Off-guard D’mitri Rideout concurred. “I feel bad that he’s leaving,” he said. “I think I didn’t hardly live up to my potential this year. It’s up to us to produce.”

Assistants Rusty Smith and Ron Cox said they would consider applying for the position if the athletic department shows interest.

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: WADE’S YEARS John Wade’s record at EWU: 1990-91…11-16 1991-92…6-21 1992-93…6-20 1993-94…5-21 1994-95…6-20 Total…..34-98