(ANGOLA) - Mike Ferrell will retire August 7 after 38 years at Tri-State and Trine University, ending a career that included coaching, fundraising, events and management of Thunder Ice Arena.
Ferrell initially came to Tri-State as head men's soccer coach and a faculty member in the physical education department. He was also asked to establish the university's women's soccer program.
Over the years, Ferrell held a number of positions across the university.
He became director of development in 2004, then returned to serve as head men's soccer coach and director of the Thunder Club in 2008.
In 2012, Ferrell became director of conferences and events while continuing as an assistant men's soccer coach. When Thunder Ice Arena opened in 2017, he added management of the facility and intramural director duties.
Since 2018, he has served solely as manager of Thunder Ice Arena.
Ferrell said he has watched dramatic changes at the university during his career, including major enrollment growth, continued campus construction, the transition from NAIA athletics to NCAA Division III, the move from quarters to semesters and the change from Tri-State University to Trine University.
Some of his favorite memories came through soccer and family. His son played for him as a freshman in 2003, and the two later coached together from 2008 through 2016.
Ferrell recalled a season in which his team overcame a 3-10 start caused by injuries, finishing the remainder of the year 8-2-1 and winning District 23 and Bi-District 21/23 championships.
His teams also posted records of 21-3-1 in 1994 and 20-5 in 1995.
In retirement, Ferrell and his wife plan to travel and attend their two grandsons' hockey games.
"I am grateful to all the people at Trine University that have helped me along the way," Ferrell said.