Coach Garner Says That “It’s Just Time”

On Monday it was announced that Trojans Men’s Head Basketball Coach Gary Garner will be retiring at the conclusion of this season, and Garner says he has been considering this decision for some time.

Garner is currently in his 14 and final season as the head coach of the Trojans, and said that prior to the start of the year he spoke with the Dakota State Athletic Department and told them that this will probably be his final season, but did not make it “official”. 

After speaking with other retired coaches in the past, they all told Garner that “you will know it’s time to retire”. Garner has decided that now is the time to retire, and mentions his wife and grandchildren as big reasons why he is stepping away from basketball.

The Trojans are halfway through their regular season conference schedule, so the timing of this announcement might seem odd, but Garner wanted to make sure he gave the university enough time to find their next head coach, while also letting players they are currently recruiting know of his choice.

Regarding his career, Coach Garner says he has no regrets and loved what he was able to do.

He doesn’t just feel good about his decision to retire, but also feels good about the players he is leaving behind, which is something that he wanted to make sure of.

Garner says he will miss the relationships he has made with the players the most. 

To his knowledge, Garner will not have a significant role in helping DSU find their next head coach. 

Coach Garner and the Trojans return home this Friday night with a rematch against Waldorf at 7:30pm. The game on Friday night can be heard on FM 103.1 or online at AmazingMadison.com.