Jerry Haugen, the esteemed head coach of Saint John's University's baseball program, has announced that the 2025 season will mark his final year in the role. He will then serve as coach emeritus in 2026. This decision comes after a remarkable 48-year tenure that has left an indelible mark on the program.

Expressing Gratitude

In a heartfelt statement, Haugen said, "While my memories of coaching at Saint John's will be cherished, I have decided it is time for a new adventure. For someone to begin a new chapter, an old chapter must come to an end." He went on to express his gratitude to the coaches he has worked with, highlighting their support and knowledge. He also thanked his family for their sacrifices over the 110 seasons of coaching sports. "They shared me with many teams and players, and I missed more of their activities than I care to mention. Without their support and love, I would not have been able to do what I enjoyed. I love you all very much."

Impressive Career Statistics

Haugen begins his 48th and final season as head coach with an 891-720-5 (.553) career record, placing him fifth on NCAA Division III's winningest active coaches' win list. He has a 502-371 mark in MIAC play and has directed the SJU baseball program to four MIAC playoff titles, three regular-season championships, and 14 consecutive appearances in the MIAC Tournament (16 overall). In 2024, SJU tied for second in the MIAC with a 13-7 record (24-16 overall) and made its 14th-consecutive appearance in the MIAC Tournament. Haugen recorded his 500th MIAC win on April 27 in his team's doubleheader sweep of St. Scholastica.

Building a Perennial Power

"Our alumni have helped create an atmosphere that our players can be proud of," Haugen added. "Our baseball student-athletes have a great facility to develop and enrich their experience, and I am grateful to all the players who wore a Saint John's baseball uniform. I appreciate all the parents, alumni, staff, family and friends. I have enjoyed working with you all these past 49 years." Haugen Field, the artificial-grass playing surface within SJU's Becker Park, was dedicated in April 2017.Scott Becker ’77, SJU benefactor and volunteer assistant coach for Haugen the past eight seasons, said, "Jerry has always had a keen eye for talent and character. His teams always play the game the right way. Haugs has built a perennial upper-Midwest power, and his successor will be positioned for success due to the foundation laid in Collegeville over the past 48 years."

Achievements of Student-Athletes

During Haugen's tenure, some of his student-athletes achieved remarkable feats. There were 6 All-Americans, 53 All-Region selections since 2003, 134 All-MIAC selections, 9 Academic All-Americans, 32 Academic All-District honorees since 1993, and 112 Academic All-MIAC honorees since 2007.Haugen announced his retirement after 48 seasons as the Johnnies' defensive coordinator last August. During his time as a defensive coach, the Johnnie football program posted a 421-99-5 (.807) overall record and a 319-61-4 (.836) mark in the MIAC. He was named the NCAA Division III Defensive Coordinator of the Year by American Football Monthly when SJU won the last of its four national titles. He was also part of a Division III national championship during his first season as an assistant in 1976.In all, he was on the coaching staff for 25 MIAC championships and 29 postseason appearances. The 29 postseason trips consisted of 70 games – a 44-26 record – which accounts for nearly seven additional seasons in playoff contests alone.SJU allowed 14.6 points per game and recorded 72 shutouts – 13.7 percent – during his tenure. Dating back to the 1978 season, his defense finished in the top two of the MIAC in total defense 26 times, including 16 of his last 21 seasons, and in scoring defense 31 times, including 23 of his last 27 seasons.In addition to baseball and football, Haugen also served as an assistant basketball coach from 1981-89 during which the Johnnies won two MIAC titles and made six national tournament appearances. He also served as SJU's head hockey coach from 1977 to 1981. All told, Haugen has collected 37 MIAC championships and 43 national tournament appearances over 52 years as a student-athlete and coach."Susan Alpers ’82 said, 'Jerry has had an incredible career at Saint John's, and we are all sincerely grateful for his friendship and his service. He will be missed, but we are excited to be able to celebrate his accomplishments as he takes a well-deserved victory lap during the baseball season.'"As a student-athlete at SJU, Haugen was a four-year starter in baseball and football, played on three MIAC championship teams, and gained All-MIAC honors as a defensive back in 1975. He ranks second on the school's career interception list with 15 (first place without postseason games). Haugen was named SJU's Outstanding Senior Athlete as a senior in 1976.