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Gymnasts' Darden becomes fourth coach to resign in a year

By Sharat Raju
Daily Sports Writer

Bob Darden, coach of the Michigan men's gymnastics team for the past 13 years, announced yesterday that he will resign from his position following the season, effective May 1.

"I'm departing at a time when I feel it is appropriate," Darden said. "I've seen the team through 13 building years, starting from a period of real lean, and built it up to seventh in the nation.

"Through everything, I've done as much as I could, and it's time to move on and take a little turn in life."

Since his first season as coach, Darden compiled a record of 76-109-1. He coached five Big Ten champions, as well as a national champion in Brian Winkler (floor exercise) in 1992. Darden is only Michigan's third gymnastics coach in the 44 years that the school has competed in the sport.

In 1994 he was named Big Ten Coach of the Year, the same year the Wolverines ended the season rakned No. 7 nationally and finished with a record of 12-5.

Darden doesn't have any plans to continuing coaching after his years at Michigan.

"If I wasn't going to be a part of Michigan athletics, I wasn't going to continue coaching anywhere else," Darden said. "The Michigan tradition and everything that goes with it, the academics, the people that surround the academic and athletic communities ... is what I'll always keep in my mind and remember."

The Wolverines are having a rough year. They are currently 0-8 and are hosting an eight-team Michigan Invitational Saturday at Cliff Keen Arena. The meet will not only be the last home competition for Darden, but it will be the final one for seniors Chris Onuska and Kris Klinger as well.

"We're all disappointed (with the announcement) because we appreciate what Bob has done for us this year and years in the past," senior captain Chris Onuska said. "The meet is going to be really emotional, but I don't think it will effect us too much because we know what we have to do.

"It should be a memorable meet for us."

Darden's plan for the future sounds considerably more relaxing than being a Division I gymnastics coach.

"I'm going to stay in the community and be a good Michigan spectator," Darden said.

Darden said his fondest memories will come from when he was an athlete at Michigan. He was an important member of the gymnastics team from 1973-76, where he was a four-time letter winner. He was the high bar Big Ten champion from 1974-76 and an All-American in 1976.

After his second-place finish at the NCAA championships in 1976, Darden assumed the position of assistant coach under Newt Loken.

In 1983-84, Darden took over the program, and he has been head coach ever since.

"I don't think any coach really wants to think about that ultimate time when they might not coach anymore," Darden said. "But I think the program has come full circle.

"It is time that somebody else take the same route, maybe faster than 13 years ... and I'll be able to watch from afar, not hands on."

Although the Michigan Athletic Department does not have a replacement in mind, a search will begin immediately, said Athletic Public Relations Director Bruce Madej. The school hopes to name the new coach by June 1.

Darden will be the fourth Michigan coach to resign in a year after the departures of field hockey coach Patti Smith, baseball coach Bill Freehan and football coach Gary Moeller.