Saturday, May 06, 2000
800-win coach Aker to step down from NKU
By John Erardi
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Bill Aker, the Northern Kentucky University baseball coach who has won more than 800 games spanning almost three decades, will direct his final two games Sunday for the Norse in a doubleheader against Wisconsin-Parkside.
“After 29 years, it is time to hang up the uniform and enjoy the game from the other side of the fence,” Aker said in a statement released Friday by NKU.
He twice led NKU to the World Series (1979, 1985), had four 40-victory seasons and 11 30-victory seasons. He ranks No.10 all-time in victories (806-569-1) among active NCAA Division II coaches. His 1977 team won a school record 49 games (with only six defeats), and was ranked as high as No.7 in the Division II poll. His 1989 team went 45-9 and came within one out of qualifying for the NCAA Division II World Series.
“I want to thank all the players' parents and families for allowing me the privilege and honor to work with (their) sons the past 29 years,” Aker said.
Among Aker's coaching honors: Three-time Great Lakes Region Coach of the Year (1977, 1979, 1981) and one-time NAIA Area IV Coach of the Year (1985) and Great Lakes Valley Conference Coach of the Year (1992).
His official retirement date is Aug.31. NKU athletic director Jane Meier said she hopes to fill the position by Aug.1.
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