Feb. 20, 2007

BEAUMONT - Citing health concerns, Leonard Drake has resigned his position as women's basketball coach at Lamar University effectively immediately.

Janet Eaton, who is in her third season on the women's basketball staff, will take over as interim head coach for the remainder of the season, announced Athletics Director Billy Tubbs.

"With the permission of Dr. Simmons and the athletic department I am announcing my resignation effective immediately. Following last Saturday night's game I left the court with severe chest pains. Although the tests results have not been completed yet, the stress of this season has my family extremely concerned. I therefore feel it is best that I step down now and regroup.

"I am certain that all concerned will do everything possible to help the team finish the season as strong as possible. I'd like the community to know that I appreciate the opportunity that I was given by Lamar, and I look forward to watching the programs progress."

Prior to joining the Lady Cardinals' staff, Eaton was the head coach and athletics director at Xavier University Prep in New Orleans for three seasons.

"We would like to thank coach Drake for his hard work in his efforts to rebuild the women's basketball program over the past five years and we wish him well," said Tubbs.

Lamar is 11-14 overall and 6-6 in Southland Conference play. The Lady Cardinals are currently in second place in the SLC East Division standings. The top two teams from each division and the next four best records in league play advance to the eight-team O'Reilly Auto Parts SLC Tournament March 7-10 at the Campbell Center in Houston.