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SALT LAKE CITY — After 40 seasons as the Utah gymnastics head coach, Greg Marsden is retiring.
Megan Marsden, Greg's wife, and Tom Farden will take the reins as co-head coaches. Megan Marsden has been Utah’s co-head coach for six years and an assistant the previous 25. Farden, Utah’s assistant coach for the past five years, was formerly the head coach at Southeast Missouri State.
I told Chris Hill, Megan and Tom Farden before the season began of my plans to retire at the end of the season. I asked them not to say anything because this program is not about me, it's about our incredible student-athletes, and I wanted all the attention focused on them.
–Greg Marsden
“I told Chris Hill, Megan and Tom Farden before the season began of my plans to retire at the end of the season,” Greg Marsden said in a prepared statement. “I asked them not to say anything because this program is not about me, it’s about our incredible student-athletes, and I wanted all the attention focused on them. We’ve actually been preparing for this transition for the past few years, and I feel really secure in leaving this program, which has been my life for 40 years, in the hands of Megan and Tom.”
Greg Marsden said there is no one reason he is choosing to step down now. He feels like some aspects of the job are best suited for a younger coach.
The program’s coach leaves as the winningest gymnastics coach in college history with a 1,048-208-8 record. His 10 national championships ties for the most by any women’s gymnastics team. Last Saturday, Utah placed second at the 2015 NCAA Championships, just five one hundredths of a point out of first place.
“Greg Marsden is not only a legendary coach, he has been an incredible advocate for the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, the sport of gymnastics, and most of all, his student-athletes over the past 40 years,” said Utah director of athletics Chris Hill. “His passion, work ethic, vision and relentless drive to be the best have never wavered, and I will miss him personally as well as professionally. He has been a great friend, resource and confidant for many years now.”
A press conference will be held Tuesday at 3 p.m. where Greg Marsden, Megan Marsden, Tom Farden and Chris Hill will speak.
