TOWSON, Md. – Brian Yaniger's life has always been about two things: student-athletes and enjoying his work.
 
For over 20 years, Yaniger has had a blast during his time as the Towson University head men's golf coach. He had fun, helped build a proud program, impacted lives, won championships, and raised the bar of excellence for future generations of Towson golfers.
 
However, all good things must eventually end and that includes the successful coaching career of Yaniger, who announced his retirement recently. The 2017 spring season will be Yaniger's final one in charge of the Tigers.
 
"The timing is right for many reasons," Yaniger said. "Those six or seven hours of driving a van home after tournaments, be it from the Carolinas or Connecticut, is not quite as easy as it once was. I can feel the difference in my passion and energy for recruiting. It is not fair to the program and the kids in particular that they do not have someone with the necessary passion and energy for the job. The program needs someone who is able to provide more than I can give at this time. Sometimes change is good and this is one of those times."
 
Yaniger departs Towson after leading the program to four conference championships, four appearances in the NCAA Tournament and 12 regular season tournament titles. In addition, four of his golfers won conference medalist honors. He coached four First-Team All-CAA selections. Two of his players, Jeff Castle and Billy Wingerd, were named CAA Golfer of the Year while two others, Alex Brueggeman and Juan Veloza, were chosen as the conference's Rookie of the Year.
 
"My time at Towson has been rewarding and enjoyable," Yaniger said. "Having seen the many young men and women that I had the privilege of coaching, graduate and go on to lead productive lives has been an honor. I am not sure a coach could ask for much more than that. I am very proud that as a program, Towson gets invited to top-tier tournaments at renowned golf courses across the country as well as international events, such as the Cabo del Sol event. It is all about the memories we create for our student-athletes."
 
Yaniger was named CAA Coach of the Year three times (2004, 2005, 2010), America East Coach of the Year twice (1999, 2000) and Towson Coach of the Year for men's sports twice (2005, 2010). In 2005, he was honored as Mid-Atlantic Region Coach of the Year. These accolades made him one of the most decorated coaches in Towson's athletics history.
 
Yaniger's impact on Towson is lasting.
 
With the help of five athletic directors and numerous administrators, Towson golf evolved into a program that regularly competes with the nation's elite, travels to all parts of the country and across the Atlantic Ocean. Competing at places such as world renowned courses where major PGA events have been contested, such as The Greenbrier, Whistling Straits, Pinehurst and the Homestead, became the standard.
 
In addition to the success on the golf course, Yaniger worked with alumni and donors to help secure funding to build an indoor practice facility. He was also the first women's golf coach in program history.
 
"The indoor facility, which will always be here for future Tigers, might be the most consequential accomplishment since I've been here," Yaniger said. "That facility could not have been done without the support of alums and donors. We have been lucky to have the large number of alums come back and support the program very generously. I hope that number will continue to grow and the program will thrive going forward."
 
Yaniger will begin teaching a Principles of Coaching class at Towson. He also plans to spend his weekends with his wife and family.
 
It has been a memorable career for Yaniger, who has also had the privilege of meeting Hall of Famer Carol Mann, PGA President Allen Wronowski, legendary golfer Gary Player and countless of other golfing legends. Mann helped Yaniger begin the women's program. He also exposed his student-athletes to PGA President Allen Wronowski and noted sports psychologist Bob Rotella to provide incredible insight and different perspectives to the mental aspects of the sport.
 
"Very few other jobs present this opportunity to meet those you have admired from afar," Yaniger said. "I have made a lot of friends and coached a lot of outstanding young men and women at Towson. Some of the staff has retired, some have moved on to other universities and some are still Tigers, but we are still in constant touch."
 
Towson's spring schedule will feature a touch of nostalgia for Yaniger. His final regular season tournament will be at Penn State's Blue Course, a place that produces a flood of positive memories. Penn State had won its home event 12 years in a row, before Towson made five birdies on the 18th hole to win by one stroke in 2004.
 
"The Blue Course at Penn State holds a special place in the history of Towson golf," Yaniger said. "In 2004, with what was arguably the best team Towson golf has ever fielded (with due respect to the 2010 team), we went to Penn State and beat Penn State, Maryland and every other team that was ranked in the top 10 in the Mid-Atlantic at The Rutherford, Penn State's home event. That was 'the moment' that put Tiger Golf on the map. The moment I will never forget."
 
Yaniger's dedication and commitment to excellence will be remembered for a long time.
 
"I had no idea or expectation of how long I would be here when I first started," Yaniger said. "Given my willingness to speak out on behalf of our student-athletes, I am sometimes amazed that I got to 20 years. But it has always been about the kids. From the first recruit in 1997 to the players coming next year, I hope Towson golf has had a positive impact in their life one way or another."