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    Northern State's Meyer to retire

    Feb 23, 2010 8:29:04 AM


    The NCAA News

     

    Northern State University basketball coach Don Meyer, the all-time leader in NCAA men's coaches wins, will retire at the end of the season but will remain on staff, the school announced Monday.

    Northern State will begin a national search for Meyer's replacement.

    "Although coach Meyer will remain on staff with us here at NSU in Aberdeen, his loss on the basketball court will be felt for years to come," said Northern State President James Smith. "Don is a legendary coach but, more importantly, a legendary person. His passion for developing young men into extremely successful adults is and always has been his true key to success. I look forward to working more closely with him but am saddened by the thought of not seeing him walking the floor that so proudly carries his name."

    Meyer will remain on staff as a regent distinguished professor. He also will appear on behalf of the university as a public speaker and consultant. Meyer also will conduct workshops, seminars, special appearances and fund-raising activities for the school.

    The 65-year-old Meyer was critically injured in a September 2008 automobile accident that resulted in the loss of part of his left leg. During subsequent surgeries, he also learned he had an inoperable form of cancer. Meyer returned to the sidelines for the start of the season, and heading to the final week of regular-season play, Meyer's career record stood at 922-323.

    "After consulting with my physicians and meeting with my family, we have determined that I no longer posses the necessary physical or mental energy to continue administering the NSU basketball program at its highest possible level," said Meyer. "It is time for someone with more energy and time available to deal with the unique challenges of a basketball program like Northern State."

    In July 2009, Meyer received the ESPN Jimmy V Perseverance Award at the 2009 ESPYs. This April, he will receive the "Legends of the Hardwood Award" at the NCAA Men's Final Four.