CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – (CLARKSVILLENOW) It was an emotional time this morning for everyone who attended the official announcement of the retirement of Austin Peay Men’s Head Basketball Coach Dave Loos. He spent 27 years coaching the Governors with 16 as Athletic Director. His awards include 502 wins, the most in the Ohio Valley Conferenc, four OVC titles, and OVC Coach of the Year five times.
Former APSU Sports information Director, Brad Kirtley, who retired last year, talked about his many years working with Loos and praised him for his hard work and time as coach and also Athletic Director. Current Athletic Director for APSU, Ryan Ivey also joined Loos on the stage set up in the Dunn Center.
First, Loos thanked his family for their support. “I have received nothing but complete support from my family and if you don’t have that in this business, you’ve got a strike against you,” said Loos. Loos introduced his wife Phyllis, daughter Nikki, sons Todd, Brad and Dave Jr. along with the other members of his family who were on hand.
Two well known former Governors who played with Coach Loos were also there to wish him well on his retirement, Trenton Hassell and Bubba Wells who both went on to careers in the NBA.
“As I say farewell, I just want you to know that you can be the judge of how I did in terms of wins and losses. One thing I don’t think you have to be the judge of that I can assure you, I gave you everything I had. I gave you everything I had,” Loos repeated as the crowd in the stands gave him a round of applause.
Loos added that it was an honor and a privilege to represent Austin Peay, and I tried to do it with as much integrity as I could put together. With that he said, Mrs. Loos I think our work is done here and it’s time to move on. Thank you very much. Coach Loos’ final words were followed by a standing ovation.