Feb. 24, 2000

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - After 20 years as the University of Illinois Men's Golf coach, Ed Beard will retire at the end of the 2000 spring season. He has the second longest tenure as head coach in program history.

"Ed Beard has been a valuable asset for our program," Athletic Director Ron Guenther said. "In his 20 years at the University of Illinois he has made many contributions to Fighting Illini athletics, and we wish Ed and Doncy all the best in his retirement."

Beard and the Illini are coming off one of their most successful seasons. Illinois finished third overall in the Big Ten in 1999. The Illini went on to finish 15th in the NCAA Championships. It was Illinois' fourth NCAA appearance and its highest finish under Coach Beard.

While at Illinois, Beard coached professional golfers Steve Stricker and Mike Small. They anchored the 1988 Fighting Illini squad that won the Big Ten title. Beard earned Conference Coach of the Year honors after the championship season.

Beard coached for 12 years at Cal State-Fullerton, his alma mater, before coming to Illinois.

"I've coached for 32 great years, but you just know when it's time to retire," Beard said. "I know this is the right time."