RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) -- South Dakota School of Mines head football coach Dan Kratzer says he plans to retire at the end of the 2011-12 season.
Kratzer is in his seventh year leading the Hardrocker program, which has posted a 0-8 record this season. He made the announcement Tuesday.
Athletics Director Dick Kaiser says the announcement caught him a bit off guard but he respects Kratzer's reasons and desire to take a break from football.
Kratzer has amassed a win-loss record of 22-48, but the Hardrockers turned consecutive .500 seasons before posting a 7-3 record in 2010. He says his time at the college has been a tremendous experience and challenge.
Kaiser says Kratzer has worked extremely hard to bring the Hardrocker football program back to a level of competitiveness.
