By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Legendary Hayden soccer coach Klaus Kreutzer isn't ready to step away completely from the sport he loves.
Klaus Kreutzer, who has coached Hayden soccer the past 25 seasons, will turn the boys coaching reins over to former Wildcat Joey Gartner this fall. [File photo/TSN]
But Kreutzer, who will turn 80 next month, is ready to cut back just a little after coaching Hayden the past 25 seasons.
Kreutzer, who has led the Wildcats to five state championships (two boys, three girls) confirmed to TopSports.news Friday that he's turning the boys head coaching reins over to former Wildcat player Joey Gartner this fall but will continue to coach the Hayden girls team next spring.
"I've thought for a couple of years about stepping back while I still have some time to enjoy the time away, whether it's with my wife and traveling or doing something with my kids or grandkids,'' Kreutzer said. "But I wanted somebody that I felt comfortable with to lead the program.
"And once Joey came on board last year I was excited a little bit. And then seeing what he was able to do and what he does on the field I think he's a good fit, so that's what kind of promulgated that decision.''
Kreutzer said he knows he'll miss not being on the field this fall, but will continue to remain close to the program.
"Once I made the decision, and as it gets a little bit closer to the season starting, I've kind of had some thoughts and I've really enjoyed the relationship with players,'' Kreutzer said. "I just got an email a week ago from Cooper Grace (class of 2025) that really made me feel good. Not going into what it is that he said, but his time here was memorable and I really appreciate that, and I think coaching has been a great opportunity for me.
"But stepping back a little bit I think is better than just doing it wholesale. I do enjoy other things in life and that's kind of what prompted my decision.''
Kreutzer led Hayden to boys state championships in 2000 and 2012 and has led the Wildcat girls to titles in 20012, 2013 and 2015.
"You have to have good players to be a good coach and I've had some really good ones,'' he said.
Hayden's girls have also posted five runnerup state finishes, including this past spring.
Seaman will also have a new boys soccer coach this fall, with Seaman alum Ty Hurla taking over for the Vikings.
