By Tim Peterson
(Glendora) – Justin Leslie has stepped down as the head basketball coach at Azusa Pacific after 12 years, to take over as the head coach at Midwestern State (Texas) APU announced Wednesday.
Leslie, who spent 22 years total in the Azusa Pacific program as a player, assistant and head coach, guided the Cougars to an overall record of 266-121 during his 12 year run. Leslie was named Golden State Athletic Conference Coach of the Year three times, the most recent in 2105 and 2016. He led APU to nine 20-win seasons and three NCAA Division II Tournament appearances including a run to the Elite Eight in the program’s first season of NCAA playoff eligibility.
Leslie now takes on the challenge of head coach Midwestern State, a Division 2 program in the Lone Star Conference.
Athletic Director Gary Pine said in part “Justin’s 22 years at Azusa Pacific are threaded through the finest tenure of Cougar basketball. He excelled as a player, assistant, and head coach, and now leaves this program as a polished gem. Midwestern State could not have gotten a better coach or family to join their team.”
As we say goodbye to coach Leslie, we also have news that Steve Baik, head basketball coach at Fairfax, is stepping down after three years service. Baik is best known for his time at Chino Hills during the Ball brothers circus. Good luck to both men as they seek that greener grass.