RUSTON, La. - Louisiana Tech named Kurt Budke head women's basketball coach on Friday just one day after coaching legend Leon Barmore retired
after serving as 20 years as the Lady Techsters head coach.
Budke has served as Barmore's associate head coach the past two seasons on the Lady Techster bench.
"I am excited to come in and take over for a college basketball coaching legend," Budke said. "To be able to say you are the head coach of the Lady Techsters is an honor."
The 40- year old established one of the country's top junior college programs at Trinity Valley (Texas) Junior College before joining the
Lady Techster staff in 2000.
"I am delighted that he is a proven coach and a fine individual, " said Louisiana Tech President Dr. Dan Reneau. "I know he will continue the
tradition of the Lady Techsters. Coach Budke has my unqualified support."
Budke posted a 226-16 mark in seven years at Trinity Valley, which included three NJCAA National Championships, and two runner-up finishes.
"Coach Budke has been successful everywhere he has coached and is an outstanding individual," Louisiana Tech Director of Athletics Jim Oakes
said. "We expect the Lady Techster basketball program to remain one of the nation's premier programs under Budke's guidance."
Budke is a native of Salinas, Kansas and received his bachelor's degree in physical education from Washburn University in 1984. Budke went on to earn his Master of Science degree from Wichita State University in 1985. Budke played at Barton County Junior College earning all-conference and
all-region honors from 1981 through 1983.
Budke's coaching career has also included being the head coach at Allen County (Kan.) Community College from 1992-94 and assistant coaching
positions at Kansa City (Kan.) Community College (1990-92) and Friends University (1985-90)
Budke is married to the former Shelley Balthazor of Wichita, Kansas and the two have a 12-year old daughter named Sara, a 10-year old son named
Alex and a six year-old son named Brett.