Soccer coach contract not renewed

Cal Poly’s men’s soccer coach Wolfgang Gartner has coached his final game for the Mustangs, ending a 26-year career as head soccer coach at the school.

Cal Poly director of athletics Alison Cone announced Thursday that Gartner’s contract would not be renewed for the 2006 season.

“I felt it was time to move the program in a different direction,” Cone said in a sports information report on www.gopoly.com. “I appreciate and acknowledge the commitment and dedication to the university that Wolfgang has had for so many years.”

Cone added that Cal Poly will begin a national search for Gartner’s replacement.

Gartner’s team posted a 6-14 overall record this season and finished 1-9 in Big West Conference play, snapping a 10-game losing streak with two victories in the final week.

Gartner coached the Mustangs for 26 seasons, compiling a 223-221 record with 55 ties. After an 11-7-2 campaign in 1998, Cal Poly has won just 36 of 130 matches.