ITHACA, N.Y. – Andy Byrne, the all-time winningest coach in the history of the Ithaca College men's soccer program, has announced his retirement after 31 years at the helm of the Bombers.

"It has been an honor for me to be a part of an athletic department with such a rich tradition," Byrne said. "I have been lucky to work with many extremely talented players, and will always be grateful to them for their efforts."

Byrne, one of the longest tenured coaches in Ithaca's athletics department, finishes his career with a record of 301-174-58. He was the first Bomber men's soccer coach to reach 200 wins, achieving the milestone in 2002. Byrne reached 300 wins this past season, hitting the mark in a 1-0 overtime win against Nazareth on Nov. 1.

"Ithaca College and the Department of Athletics are extremely grateful to Andy Byrne for his commitment and many contributions as the head coach of our men's soccer program," said Susan Bassett, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreational Sports. "Coach Byrne has had a profound impact on the educational experience of hundreds of young men who played soccer for IC during his 31 years of leadership. We thank him for his service to Ithaca, and wish him well as he embarks on this next chapter of his life."

Byrne has advanced to NCAA postseason play 11 times. Over that stretch, Ithaca made three-straight NCAA quarterfinal appearances from 1995-1997, and an NCAA semifinal berth in 1996. Ithaca's success in the mid-90's earned Byrne Northeast Region Division III Coach of the Year honors in 1996 and 1997. He has been named Empire 8 Coach of the Year four times, and has led Ithaca to Empire 8 titles in 1999, 2002 and 2012. He has coached six all-Americans during his tenure. 

A 1975 graduate of Plymouth State College, Byrne played for Gerd Lutter, a member of the Ithaca College Athletic Hall of Fame. Prior to taking the head coaching position at Ithaca, Byrne was the head men's soccer coach and a physical education instructor at Southern Indiana. Byrne has also been head coach at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell.

"It has been extremely rewarding to help guide the players during their time at Ithaca College and then to watch them make their way through life," Byrne said. "I have been fortunate to have the love and support of my family, my sons Casey and Cobi, and my beautiful wife Ann. I can't thank them enough."

Byrne will conclude his coaching career at the end of the spring semester. A national search for a new men's soccer head coach will commence immediately.