Coach Gary Oftedahl to Retire After Remarkable Career at Edgewood College

Madison, Wis. (May 16, 2023) – Gary Oftedahl, who has served as the Edgewood College Eagles golf coach for 23 years, and as an assistant coach for the Eagles women’s basketball program for two years prior, has announced his retirement as the 2022-23 academic year ends. 

“I’ve loved every day at Edgewood College, it was never work - just a joy daily to be with our student-athletes,” Oftedahl said. “We’ve grown from a novice beginning into a strong Midwest Region Division III program. Our start began by trying to find four golfers for a team score, which eventually led to Conference Championships and two trips to the NCAA Division III National Championship. Along the way we’ve found numerous Academic Scholar Athletes who’ve brought character and skill to our program.”

Under Oftedahl’s leadership, the Eagles men’s golf program has recorded eight-straight runner-up finishes at the NACC Championships since the 2015-16 season. The Eagles placed inside the top two at the NACC Championship 13 times in the last 14 seasons. Since the 2006-07 season and through the 2022-23 campaign he has coached 40 All-NACC Players, five NACC medalists, three NACC Players of the Year, three NACC Freshmen of the Year, and has won three NACC Coach of the Year awards. 

“I’m beyond grateful for the foundation that Coach Oftedahl has built within the Eagle Golf program(s),” Suann Saltzberry, Director of Athletics, said. “His dedication to teaching the sport and producing strong student-athletes put Edgewood College Golf on the map. Under his leadership, the golf programs have thrived.”

The Eagles have also excelled in the classroom under Oftedahl. In 2021-22, Edgewood College earned the second-straight Presidents Special Recognition from the Golf Coach Association of America (GCAA). Edgewood College has secured three Presidents Special Recognition honors under Oftedahl and is also a regular as an All-Academic Team (3.0 and above).

Oftedahl’s reach goes far beyond the Edgewood College campus. “His connections to the Madison area golf community and beyond have created partnerships that continue to provide for Eagle Golf,” Saltzberry said.

Oftedahl is perhaps best-known for his smile and positive outlook. “He is an outstanding human being that truly impacted each student-athlete,” Saltzberry said.

“When other coaches share that their players look forward to a pairing with our Edgewood College golfers, you know you have wonderful young men who represent our school, our program, but most importantly themselves,” Oftedahl said. “Character defines our players - I’m very proud of every team I’ve been a part of.”
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