Walberg resigns as Pepperdine coach

Jan 18, 2008 - 12:51 AM MALIBU, California (Ticker) -- Citing personal and family reasons, Pepperdine coach Vance Walberg resigned Thursday.

Walberg compiled a 14-35 record in under two seasons at Malibu.

"This is a beautiful place," Walberg said. "It just comes down to what I need to do personally and what's best for my family."

The Waves, who are 6-12 this season, endured an embarrassing 92-57 home loss to Gonzaga on Monday.

Prior to coming to Malibu, Walberg coached at Fresno City College from 2002-06, posting a 133-11 record and winning the 2005 state championship.

"Vance came to me this morning and told me this is what he needed to do," Pepperdine athletic director John Watson said. "I'm sorry this had to happen like this, but it's more important that he takes care of his personal matters at this time. We'll move forward as best as we can."

Eric Bridgeland, in his second year as an assistant at Pepperdine, will take over as interim coach.

"It's a tough situation," Bridgeland said. "It's not how we drew it up. We have some resilient young men. If you've ever been a member of team athletics, the No. 1 thing it teaches you how to do is deal with adversity. I can assure you there's a lot of that right now. But our young men will deal with it and make people proud."