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Posted: 2:50 PM- Coach Steve Gardner will retire from the Utah Valley baseball program after his 18th season with the Wolverines next spring, the school announced Wednesday.
"Two years ago I had made the decision that this year was going to be my last year of coaching," Gardner said in a statement. "This has not been an easy decision as I have had my greatest coaching opportunities here at Utah Valley during the past 18 years. I have loved this game and the opportunities it has given me. I will always be a Wolverine. I can now dedicate more of my time to my wife and family, my horses and golf."
Gardner is 454-395 at Utah Valley, with an 80-123 record since helping the school make the transition from the junior-college ranks to the NCAA Division I level. During the junior-college years, Gardner led the Wolverines to three SWAC Southern Division titles and two regional championships. In 1998, they went 42-18 and set a school record for most victories in a season.
"Steve will leave behind a legacy of a very successful baseball program that has been recognized as a great hitting team," athletic director Mike Jacobsen said.