JACKSON, Miss. – John Aiken has stepped down as Belhaven's head men's basketball coach, announcing his resignation on Thursday, July 3, ending a six-year stay with the Blazers Basketball Program.

"We sure don't want to lose John as our Head Coach," said Belhaven Vice President for Athletics Scott Little. "But his ultimate dream for years has been to coach in the NCAA ranks and now he has been given a unique opportunity to pursue that dream, so we wish he, Michelle and Gracie the Lord's best in this new season of work and ministry. John has been an excellent leader for the young men in our program, whether athletically, spiritually or academically. He's a team player within the department, always positive and willing to go the extra mile to serve others. He's a friend we'll all miss working with day in and day out."

Aiken served as the head coach for Belhaven over the last two seasons. This year, Aiken led Belhaven to an 18-15 record, which included a trip to the NAIA National Tournament. The Blazers went on to finish with a 14-6 mark in Southern States Athletic Conference play, taking third place in the regular season standings and conference tournament.

In Aiken's two seasons as head coach, Belhaven finished with a 30-33 (22-16 SSAC) record. Jordan Bedford (2013-14) and Jordan Butts (2012-13) were named to the SSAC All-Conference team and four other players were named to SSAC All-Division teams in Aiken's two seasons as the head coach.

Aiken, a native of Portland, Maine, spent the previous four seasons as Belhaven's assistant coach under Tom Kelsey. Aiken played an integral role as an assistant coach in Belhaven's success over the four seasons in the areas of recruitment and on the floor coaching. During that span, the Blazers have made two trips to the Buffalo Funds NAIA Division I National Tournament in 2010 and 2012. The appearance in 2010 was the first for the program since the 1972 season. Belhaven's combined overall record during those four years was 74-55, including a 24-10 mark during the 2009-10 campaign.

In his six years with the Blazers basketball program, Aiken helped coach a total of nine all-conference selections, six all-division selections and four NAIA Honorable Mention All-Americans.

Prior to arriving at Belhaven, Aiken was the Assistant Coach at the University of New England where he helped guide the program to a 17-12 record and an appearance in the 2008 ECAC New England Regional Championship game.

A national search for the next head coach of the men's basketball program is already underway.

Belhaven University is a member of the NAIA, Southern States Athletic Conference and Mid-South Conference and sponsors 15 intercollegiate sports. Belhaven is an institution that focuses on preparing students academically and spiritually to serve Christ Jesus.