Hardy
Fuchs, one of the winningest men’s soccer coaches in NCAA III history,
has announced his retirement as head coach of the Kalamazoo College men’s
soccer team. Fuchs will remain in his current position at the College as professor
of German.
“There is a time for everything,” Fuchs said. “After more
than 30 years, it is time for me to step aside and allow someone new with fresh
ideas and young energy to carry on the winning tradition of Kalamazoo College
men’s soccer.”
Fuchs has mixed feelings about retiring after a third consecutive league championship.
“Winning another championship made the decision to retire more difficult,”
Fuchs said. “But, it also allows me to call it quits on a high note.”
“Kalamazoo students continue to respond well to my ideas as to how to
play the game, however I did not want to wait until that might no longer be
the case.”
Fuchs led Kalamazoo to its third consecutive MIAA (Michigan Intercollegiate
Athletic Association) championship in 2002 with a 10-2 league record (13-5-1
overall). The Hornets finished the season with 11 consecutive wins, including
eight shutouts during that span.
Fuchs has been the head coach at Kalamazoo College for 32 of the program’s
35 years of existence. He owns a career record of 343-137-36 (.700), and an
MIAA record of 254-70-21 (.767). Fuchs has led the Hornets to 12 MIAA championships,
including 11 in the last 18 seasons. The Hornets have made six NCAA III Tournament
appearances. Fuchs has coached eight MIAA MVP’s, nine All-Americans, and
one NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship recipient. His accolades also include a 1988
NCAA Great Lakes Regional Coach of the Year award.
Fuchs entered the 2002 season as the 29th winningest active men’s soccer
coach in NCAA Division III with a .699 winning percentage (330-132-35), and
30th all-time in Division III (active and retired). He ranked 11th in terms
of overall victories (330) among active coaches, and 14th all-time (active and
retired). He ends his career with 343 career victories, moving him ahead of
Calvin College men’s soccer coaching legend Marv Zuidema who ranked 12th
all-time with 341 career victories. Fuchs’ 12 MIAA men’s soccer
championships ranks second behind Zuidema’s 14 league titles.
“The students, faculty, and staff of Kalamazoo College make this an incredible
place to teach and coach,” Fuchs added. “I particularly appreciate
the administration and athletic training staff for their devoted services and
support over the years.”
Fuchs will continue to recruit and assist throughout the transition process.
A search for his replacement will begin immediately.
