Sauer's Sweet Goodbye
UW hockey coach Jeff Sauer says that retirement has been on his mind for a few years. But that didn't make going through with the decision to finish his coaching career any easier.
Sauer, who has coached in more victories than any other UW coach in any sport, will retire at the end of the 2001-02 season. During a press conference in January to announce his decision, the veteran coach was moved by many emotions. With tears in his eyes, he told a room crowded with reporters, players, and longtime friends that "it's been a great run."
"I feel comfortable about it," he said. "I just feel that it's time."
Named to lead the program in 1982, Sauer coached the UW to two NCAA titles and twelve appearances in the NCAA tournament. He will likely finish with close to five hundred wins as Wisconsin's coach.
Sauer, who has coached in more victories than any other UW coach in any sport, will retire at the end of the 2001-02 season. During a press conference in January to announce his decision, the veteran coach was moved by many emotions. With tears in his eyes, he told a room crowded with reporters, players, and longtime friends that "it's been a great run."
"I feel comfortable about it," he said. "I just feel that it's time."
Named to lead the program in 1982, Sauer coached the UW to two NCAA titles and twelve appearances in the NCAA tournament. He will likely finish with close to five hundred wins as Wisconsin's coach.
Seventeen of Sauer's Wisconsin players earned All-American honors during his career, and thirteen competed on Olympic teams. He coached many players who have gone on to success in the National Hockey League, including current stars Chris Chelios x'84, Curtis Joseph x'89, Mike Richter x'89, and Dany Heatley x'03.
"Jeff has had a highly successful coaching career," says Director of Athletics Pat Richter '64, JD'71. "He has few peers in terms of his victory totals and longevity. He means a great deal, not only to Wisconsin hockey, but to the game as a whole."
Sauer will stay on with the athletic department in an administrative role, providing guidance for the men's and women's hockey programs.
"Jeff has had a highly successful coaching career," says Director of Athletics Pat Richter '64, JD'71. "He has few peers in terms of his victory totals and longevity. He means a great deal, not only to Wisconsin hockey, but to the game as a whole."
Sauer will stay on with the athletic department in an administrative role, providing guidance for the men's and women's hockey programs.
