SERTICH ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT; NATIONAL SEARCH UNDERWAY

HOUGHTON, Mich. -- Mike Sertich, head hockey coach at Michigan Tech
since Nov. 9,
2000, announced today that he will retire, effective June 30.

"I've really enjoyed my time here," said Sertich, "The people have been
wonderful and the kids
just absolutely fantastic. I feel like the program is on very solid
ground and it's an appropriate time for me to move on to the next stage
in life.

"You know, my dad died when he was 61 and never got to retirement. I
have a wonderful wife,
three terrific children, and six grandchildren to enjoy. I'll miss
coaching, no question about it, but I feel in my heart that the timing
is right."

 The 56-year-old Sertich took over the Michigan Tech program on Nov. 8,
2000, nine games into the season on an interim basis. He had the interim
title removed on January 19, 2001, and was signed to a five-year
contract.

Michigan Tech made great strides under Sertich's leadership. The Huskies
finished the 2002-03
season with 17 points in the WCHA, the most since 1998-99. In addition,
12 of the team's players registered career-highs in points for a single
season. Sertich also led the club to double digits in wins for the first
time since 1997-98. Furthermore, Tech had a 40-point scorer (Colin
Murphy) for the first time since 1997-98 and freshman Chris Conner had
37 points, the most for a rookie at Michigan Tech since Pat Mikesch had
38 points in 1992-93.

"Mike's goal when he came here was to create stability in the program
and I believe he has done
that," said Yeo. "While I would prefer to have Mike remain for another
year or two, I respect his
decision and I'm confident the next coach will be inheriting a team with
great potential. I wish Mike the very best in his retirement and thank
him for the commitment he made to the Michigan Tech hockey program."

Sertich concludes a 21-year head coaching career with a record of
375-397-53 overall, including a 25-69-9 mark at MTU in 2.75 years. He is
a four-time Western Collegiate Hockey Association Coach of the Year
(1982-83, 1983-84, 1984-85, 1992-93) and was named the American Hockey
Coaches Association Spenrose Penrose recipient as the NCAA Division I
Coach of the Year in 1983-84.

A national search for a replacement is underway.  "We'll move as quick
as we can," said Yeo, "but at the same time, we'll take the time
necessary to get the right person in place."