Eastern Oregon University basketball coach and 1998 graduate Ryan Looney, was hired as the men's basketball coach at Seattle Pacific University on Tuesday.

Hired in 2004, Looney's five seasons with the Mountaineers marked resurgence in the program. The Mountaineers team compiled a 95-55 record winning 63.3 percent of their games, the best winning percentage among all-time EOU coaches.

"This is one of those bittersweet times in college athletics" stated Rob Cashell Director of Athletics. "I can't thank Ryan enough for the work he has done guiding our young men in the classroom, the community and on the court. He not only won basketball games he recruited players of high character and academic ability. I am happy for Ryan and this opportunity but saddened for our guys and the staff."

Each season under Looney the Mountaineers showed improvement. After a 4-22 first season the Mountaineers earned 17-11, 23-8, 26-6 and 25-8 records. Looney guided the Mountaineers to the 2008 Cascade Collegiate Conference championship and a share in the conference crown in 2009.

The last two seasons marked Back-to-back NAIA Tournament selections and a Sweet 16 and Elite Eight appearance. The 2009 EOU squad registered a 25-8 record, including 14 consecutive victories, before suffering an 80-79 NAIA quarterfinal setback against No. 1-ranked and eventual national champion Oklahoma Wesleyan.

Looney takes over a team at SPU that has all but one player returning. SPU is an NCAA D II member and competes in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference. A search for a replacement is already underway according to Cashell.