Tudor steps down from Bigfork basketball
Bigfork Vikings basketball coach Sam Tudor has resigned, athletic director Matt Porrovecchio announced on Wednesday.
Spending more time with family was cited as a reason for Tudor’s departure from the boys program.
“I know the decision has been a difficult one for coach Tudor, but in the end he has to do what is in the best interest of him and his family,” Porrovecchio said in an email. “Family has to be a priority.”
Tudor led the Vikings to back-to-back Class B state championships in 2018 and 2019. Bigfork defeated Missoula Loyola 47-43 on March 8 in Belgrade for its second straight title.
“He has dedicated a lot of time, energy, and effort in development and support of the boys program,” Porrovecchio said. “He has been at the helm of a pretty impressive stretch in Bigfork basketball. It’s been fun to watch and be a part of.”
An impressive stretch, indeed.
During his five seasons at the helm of Bigfork basketball, Tudor’s coaching record is 111-12. He reached the 100-win mark in his 113th game, Jan. 18, as the Vikings rolled to a 72-49 win over St. Ignatius.
It was the same night Bigfork senior guard Anders Epperly broke the all-class state career assist record.
In 2017-18, the Vikings were undefeated (24-0) en route to the state title. Last season, there were just two losses.
Tudor has been at Bigfork for eight years, as an English teacher and coached under Kurt Paulson, now head coach of Carroll College’s men’s basketball team, for two years.
Bigfork won its first state title in school history in 2014, but Tudor wasn’t part of the coaching staff then.
Porrovecchio encouraged Tudor to apply for the coaching vacancy after the previous coach stepped down unexpectedly, and the rest was history.
“The process has come full circle,” Porrovecchio said. “I pulled him in and now I get to shake his hand on his way out. I appreciate everything he has done and I am going to miss working with him as a head coach.”
Porrovecchio said Bigfork is actively searching for a replacement.
“As disappointed as I am to see him go, I am confident we will find a great coach to step in and move forward with the program,” he said.