April 24, 2008

Noren Stepping Down to Take Life Christian Academy AD Post

Rick Noren, who has won 398 games in 14 seasons as Pacific Lutheran University’s fastpitch coach, will step down at the end of May to assume the role of athletic director at Life Christian Academy in Tacoma.

Noren will lead his Lutes fastpitch team into its season-ending four-game Northwest Conference series against the University of Puget Sound this Saturday and Sunday. The Lutes will play the Loggers in a doubleheader at noon Saturday at UPS, and then conclude their season with a doubleheader starting at noon on Sunday at Pacific Lutheran.

“This is an opportunity that I could not pass up,” said Noren, whose family attends Life Center. “I enjoy the challenge and satisfaction that come with being an athletic administrator, and that combined with my belief in the mission of Life Christian Academy, made this a natural fit for me and my family. Being a part of PLU athletics for 14 years has been rewarding personally and professionally, but it is now time to move onto this new challenge.”

In addition to his coaching duties at Pacific Lutheran, Noren teaches physical education classes, coordinates student workers in the Athletic Department, and serves as the Athletic Facilities Director.

“We will miss Rick’s leadership in the athletic department, and thank him for his commitment to PLU athletics and to the student-athletes that it serves,” PLU athletic director Laurie Turner said. “This is a tremendous opportunity for Rick, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

Noren has compiled a 398-145-1 record in his 14 seasons as the Pacific Lutheran University fastpitch head coach, and has led eight of his PLU teams to national tournament competition. The Lutes advanced to the 2002 NCAA Division III College World Series and finished in 4th place. His 1996 PLU team placed fifth and his 1997 team finished third at the NAIA national tournament. The 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003 teams advanced to the NCAA Division III national tournament. In addition, eight PLU teams under Noren’s guidance have garnered Northwest Conference championships.

The 1999 Lutes tied a school single-season record for wins, finishing 39-6, and the 2002 team that finished 36-2 ended the season with the highest winning percentage in NCAA Division III (.947), the highest team fielding percentage, and the lowest team earned run average. The 2003 squad again finished with the highest winning percentage in Division III and was listed among the national leaders in several other categories.

Before arriving at Pacific Lutheran in the fall of 1994, Noren was an assistant coach for the University of Washington in 1994 when the Huskies reached NCAA postseason competition for the first time.

Noren attended Pacific Lutheran University for one year prior to receiving his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Western Washington University in 1987. He earned his master’s degree in Athletic Administration from PLU in 1996.

Rick, his wife, Leanne, and their children Kyle, Joel and Leah, live in University Place.

- PLU -