Bahr waves adieu to Keen, wrestling duals

On Sunday afternoon, Michigan wrestling coach Dale Bahr said farewell to Cliff Keen Arena.

The meet was an emotional one for the long time Michigan coach as the pregame ceremonies caused him to, as he put it, "get a little misty eyed."

Senior associate Athletic Director Peggy Bradley-Doppes led the ceremonies, reminding the Wolverine faithful that they were losing a "solid worker, a father figure, and man of great integrity."

Bahr, who has been the head coach of the Wolverines for the past 21 years, will take over as the wrestling team's athletic camp coordinator after this season.

During his tenure at the helm of the Wolverines, Bahr has recorded an impressive record of 221-119-6, second only to the man whose name is engraved above the door of the building that housed Sunday's meet, the legendary Cliff Keen. Bahr has led the

DAVID ROCHKIND/Daily Dale Bahr got "a litttle misty-eyed" in his final home meet at Cliff Keen Arena yesterday. Bahr has coached the Wolverines for 21 years.

Wolverines to two second place finishes in the Big Ten, and seven top-ten finishes at the NCAA Tournament.

Bahr's success as a coach and a teacher can be best seen in the accolades of his wrestlers. Bahr has coached 40 All-Americans, which includes two national champions in Mark Churella and current Michigan assistant coach Kirk Trost.

Bahr's success as a coach goes beyond his wrestlers' athletic achievements. Bahr has demonstrated an ability to coach wrestlers to success in the classroom as well as on the mats. During his time at Michigan, Bahr has had 38 academic all-Big Ten wrestlers. After Sunday's 24-9 thrashing of Ohio State, Bahr had a chance to reflect on the past.

"I've really enjoyed these last 21 years," Bahr said. "I've especially enjoyed this year's team."

But Bahr will still be a factor for Michigan wrestling in the future.

"I'm going to continue to support Michigan wrestling 100 percent," Bahr said. "I'll be involved with the wrestling program in a peripheral way. I'm still going to be here watching practice, and I can still see the kids progress. It's going to be kind of like being the grandfather instead of the father. I can enjoy these guys, take them out to eat and spend time with them, but when the day is done and it's time to do the work they're all Joe's."

Bahr's replacement, assistant coach Joe McFarland, can't see Michigan wrestling without the longtime head coach.

"I wrestled under him here at Michigan, I coached against him when I was at Indiana, and I've also coached under him," McFarland said. "Since I've had anything to do with wrestling he's been here. It's been really great to have the season we've had in his final year. Today was really nice for him."

All-American Joe Warren sees Bahr as a savior of sorts.

"He brought wrestling back to being a powerhouse program," Warren said. "Wrestling (at Michigan) is where it is today because of him. It's sad to see him go, but I think he's ready for it."

Bahr leaves the program in good hands.

"We're going to keep the program going strong, no doubt about it," assistant coach Kirk Trost said. "If we need it he'll still be around for coach McFarland and I to ask questions."

Bahr and the Wolverines still have a lot of work yet this season. The Wolverines host the Big Ten championship March 7-8 at Crisler Arena and will then head out to the NCAA Championships at Penn State.

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