Hellenthal delivers heart-felt message thanking QU players, fans and community for their support

QUINCY — If you want to learn about a coach’s character in a cut-throat profession such as college basketball, look beyond the wins and losses.

Take stock in what they say and how they say it when adversity threatens to bring them to their knees.

Upon learning last Friday morning he was being fired immediately as the Quincy University men’s basketball coach, Ryan Hellenthal avoided social media traps and gave himself time to collect his thoughts, find some balance and seek out those he trusts wholeheartedly.

Only then did he feel comfortable enough to address a whirlwind of a weekend.

And he did so with dignity and class.

Hellenthal released a statement Wednesday, thanking the QU family and fans and the Quincy community for the support throughout his nearly five seasons at the helm.

“It has been one of my life’s greatest honors to lead the Hawks in a community where I grew up,” Hellenthal said. “I consider Quincy to be one of the best basketball towns with some of the greatest people in the entire country.”

Here’s his full statement: