By TYLER HENRY
Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post
The fall of 95’ marked the start of a new era at Southeast of Saline as two new fields, one baseball, and one softball, were built in Gypsum.
That same year, Mike Garretson began his coaching career at SES as the leader of the Lady Trojan softball team.
On Monday, 28 years and 423 wins later, Coach Garretson announced his retirement as Southeast’s head boys baseball coach.
“Everything about my time in Gypsum was good,” Garretson said. “Being on a baseball or softball field with the kids was always enjoyable. I grew up on a baseball field and this almost allowed me to stay a kid for a little while longer.”
Garretson, who retired from teaching at SES prior to this season, also prided himself on the academic side of the student-athlete experience, serving Southeast in the classroom as well as on the field.
“Coach Garretson filled many roles for us during his time here and he’s done so much more than just coaching during practices and games,” SES AD Doug Minneman said. “He was very involved in the school and teaching community here and he’ll be very difficult to replace. He did a fantastic job with our baseball program over the years and we definitely appreciate all he’s done here at Southeast.”
Under Garretson’s leadership, the Trojans became a force to be reckoned with, posting winning records in each of the last 12 seasons, with an overall record of 194-69 during that span.
“We’re set up really well and this program is on an upward trajectory,” Garretson said. “We played a lot of young kids this year with only two seniors and those guys got a lot of experience. They’ll be good but it’s not because of me, it’s because of all the youth coaches that worked with these kids from when they were young.”
Garretson concludes his stellar coaching career with an overall record of 423-200 between baseball (300-146) and softball (123-54).
In a statement issued on social media over the weekend, the long-time coach left a parting message for his team and former players.
“It’s been a wonderful experience to share the joy of baseball with the incredible student-athletes from Southeast of Saline,” he said. “I want to thank our past and present admins and honor my incredible group of assistant coaches who served our students. To all my past players, I appreciate every one of you, you always gave it your best and I enjoyed our time together on all those fields we shared.”