Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

Ken Barer, the winningest men’s basketball coach in UMass Lowell history, decided today that he will leave his post to pursue other professional options,

UML Director of Athletics Dana Skinner made the announcement.

Barer complied a record of 136-75 (.645) in seven seasons since he took over for Gary Manchel following the 2000-01 season. Barer passed Manchel for first on UMass Lowell’s all-time wins list this season.

The River Hawks reached the 20-win plateau four times in the seven seasons under Barer. Barer’s squads set program records for victories (28) in the in the 2002-03 as well as 2003-04. The 2002-03 team also set records for winning percentage (.848), consecutive wins (14), fewest losses (5).

The National Association of Basketball Coaches named Barer the Northeast Regional Coach of the Year in 2002-03.

UMass Lowell swept both the Northeast-10 Conference regular season and tournament championships in back-to-back seasons in 2002-03 and 2003-04. The River Hawks also made the NCAA tournament four times under Barer, including two trips to the Elite Eight and one appearance in the Sweet Sixteen.