After helping Wisconsin men’s track and field athletes walk up podium after podium, Ed Nettycombe is walking away from his head coaching position after 30 years at the school.

“I just feel the time is right,” Nuttycombe said. “There is probably never a ‘good time’ to walk away from something that has meant so much to you for so long, but I’m excited about what the future holds for me and my family.”

Nuttycombe made the decision official Friday, though his official retirement will take place sometime later this summer, as he will continue to work with Wisconsin athletes for the next few months.

Combining outdoor and indoor seasons, Nuttycombe directed the Badgers to 26 Big Ten track and field championships since taking over in 1984, far more than any other rivaling school or coach. Nuttycombe was the head coach but also leader for hurdles, jumps and multi-event athletes.

Athletic Director Barry Alvarez said he appreciates the commitment Nuttycombe took to not only championship excellence, but also coaching his athletes.

“The success is obvious when you look at the numbers,” Alvarez said. “But the way he succeeded with integrity and touched so many people across his program and his sport is what speaks volumes about the job he did as a head coach.”

Nuttycombe also oversaw the men’s cross country program which won an additional 26 conference championships, taking the coaches total to an astounding 52 conference titles.

He’s set quite the stage of expectations for whoever takes hold of the reigns in his departure. Either way, he’s planning on making an impact, even in retirement.

“I certainly want to remain part of the program at some level, and I’ll have that discussion with whoever succeeds me,” he said. “These guys haven’t seen the last of me.”