Soccer coach Bares retires after 26 seasons

Titans men's soccer coach Toby Bares has called it a career after 26 seasons as head coach of the team, announcing his retirement Thursday.

Bares retired due being asked to step into a greater administrative role at the Student Recreation & Wellness Center.

"I've always said two things define soccer here at UW-Oshkosh," Bares stated in a press release from the university athletic department. "We are passionate about the game, and we are good for and to each other. I've been blessed that the university has allowed me to pursue that vision for all of these years. We've come a long ways and I'm certain that the program will continue to move forward in a positive direction."

The National Soccer Coaches Association of America named Bares the NCAA Division III National Coach of the Year in 1994 when he led Oshkosh to an 18-0-3 mark.

Bares was also chosen as the winner of the NCAA Division III Central Region Coach of the Year in 1994, 2000 and 2003.

Altogether, Bares has won ten coaching awards from the Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association as well.

Bares accrued a 344-99-39 record during his time at Oshkosh, which gives him one of the best winning percentages (.754) in the NCAA.

After a losing season in his first year as head coach, Bares guided his team to 25 consecutive winning seasons.

In his final season, Bares led the Titans to a 13-4-2 record.

"I lost my first and last games at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, but fortunately we managed to win a few in between," Bares stated.

"Toby is a legend in the sport of soccer, not only at UW-Oshkosh, but at the state, regional and national level as well," Oshkosh director of athletics Allen Ackerman stated in the release. "Toby grasped the vision to build a nationally competitive soccer program at UW-Oshkosh and never looked back. Toby is the complete package as a coach, from his knowledge of the sport to his genuine concern for the student-athlete. He has represented UW-Oshkosh with dignity."

Eleven of Bares' 26 squads qualified for NCAA postseason play, including six of the last 11 teams.

The Titans made the Final Four three times, the "Elite Eight" four times and the "Sweet 16" six times under Bares' watch.

Bares also coached five All-Americans including the 2000 NCAA Division III National Player of the Year Scott Deopere. 33 of Bares' athletes were named NCAA Division III All-Region players, including current senior Will Howell.

"I can never thank all of the players enough for giving me so much," Bares stated. "They are my legacy. They have continued to be good friends to each other beyond their days here at UW-Oshkosh. They have gone on to be good professionals, good husbands and fathers, and quite a few good coaches. I'm so proud of all of them."

Bares stated that several people helped him become as successful as he was at Oshkosh, including his recent assistant coaches, colleague Ton de Hoop and his wife JoAnn.