Baum to step down in January

MSU men’s soccer coach Joe Baum started coaching the Spartans when gas prices were under 75 cents, when Earvin “Magic” Johnson was still in high school and when most of our parents were our age.

But after serving 32 years at the reins of the men’s soccer program, Baum will hand the whistle off to current associate coach Damon Rensing on Jan. 1.

“My whole life has been MSU,” said Baum, who will stay on staff and serve as an assistant coach in 2009. “This hasn’t been a job, this has been a career, a family, a vocation — basically the whole works. I’ve never even applied for another job because I’ve always been proud to be a Spartan.”

During Baum’s tenure at MSU, he led the Green and White to 21 winning seasons and a career record of 307-223-52. In the past seven seasons, Baum also has guided the Spartans to three NCAA tournament berths and the 2004 Big Ten Tournament title.

Senior captain Doug DeMartin recognizes how important this last season is for Baum, and he has stressed to his teammates the importance of sending the head coach out with a bang.

“Everyone loves playing for coach Baum,” DeMartin said. “Sending coach out on the right note is one of the goals of the season. Coach has had so many players and to be one of the last guys he coaches is really special.”

Baum has spent the past 10 years preparing his predecessor for the head coaching position, and he is confident Rensing is ready to take control of the program.

“We’ve really been co-coaches for the past few years,” Baum said. “When you’ve done all he’s done you are ready and he’s as prepared as I think he could possibly be.”

MSU Athletics Director Mark Hollis couldn’t be happier about the smooth transition from Baum to Rensing and he is glad the veteran coach has decided to stick around the team.

“Anytime a coach has been here as long as Joe has, they have obviously had an impact on their sport and the university,” Hollis said. “Having Damon on board will be great and having Joe around (as an assistant coach) will continue to be a great combination.”

Rensing played his collegiate soccer at MSU under Baum starting in 1993. Since his arrival on campus, Baum has been impressed with Rensing’s knowledge and passion for the game. But Rensing is such a good fit in Baum’s eyes because of his outgoing personality.

“Damon has a great soccer mind and he understands all of the concepts of the game,” Baum said. “But just as important is that he’s a really great people person. I’ve met other coaches who are very knowledgeable but they don’t have good people skills and to me that’s as important as knowing the X’s and O’s.”

Rensing is excited for the new responsibilities that come along with the head coaching position but he wants the team to stay focused on this season.

“It’s an exciting time for me and my family, but my main focus and Joe’s main focus is to make sure the kids on the team have the best season as we possibly can,” he said.

“Joe’s getting to the end of his career and he’s had a good deal at MSU. He really has done it all.”