ST. DAVIDS, Pa.– Over the past four years, Eastern University Men's Soccer has enjoyed perhaps its most successful run ever. In that time, the Eagles have won 60 games and a pair of MAC Freedom Championships. While enjoying all that success on the field, Eastern University Head Coach Mark Wagner was also building a successful business as the founder and President of Future 500 Soccer Camps, which is the largest residential college ID camp in the country. Earlier this week, Wagner informed his team that he had made the decision to step away from college coaching.

"The decision to step down from Eastern has been a difficult one," Wagner said, "but it has become clear to me that it's no longer possible to run both a high-level soccer program and a rapidly growing business. I wish I could create more hours in a day."

While Wagner leaves at the top, throughout his career he was never far from that spot. In his 19 years leading the program, the Eagles won five league championships, reached another four conference championship games and qualified for post-season play 18 times. He has a 235-101-24 record at Eastern, and 291 total wins. He has six conference coach of the year awards.

"I want to thank everyone at Eastern for their generosity and support," Wagner reiterated, "And I'd especially like to thank all of the players and assistant coaches. I'd also like to thank all the coaches I've competed with both in and out of conference. So many tremendous relationships and memories that I will cherish forever."

"I want to give a very special thanks to Jim Henderson. He is the best assistant a coach could ever have - we'd not have accomplished anywhere close to what we have without Jim. and finally, I would like to thank my wife Linda for partnering with me on this journey the past 25 years. Linda is the real coach - and a better one than I could ever dream to be."

Wagner's departure will be felt in the department as well. He served the University as Athletic Director from 2008-2010, and he has been a valuable resource and mentor for young coaches in the department.

Throughout his tenure at Eastern, Wagner has developed multiple young assistant coaches in his program. With his decision to step away, Vice Provost for Student Development Dr. Bettie Ann Brigham and Interim Athletic Director Heidi Birtwistle have picked current assistant coach Jeremy Payne to lead the program on an interim basis.

"Coach Mark Wagner has been a reliable, dedicated, wise and mission-centered coach and administrator for Eastern University over his many years with us." Dr. Brigham said, "I will personally miss his presence as well as his gentle and caring heart and I know that many of our athletes and his coworkers will as well.  As we feel the sadness that accompanies his leaving, we are very pleased to announce an Interim Head Coach has been appointed who reflects many of Coach Wagner's best qualities."

Payne, a two-time NSCAA DIII National Player of the Year, has played an integral role in the team's success over the past two seasons.

"When I look back on my career," Wagner said. "I remember that I was an interim head coach at Elmira when I was 24 or 25. I believe that we have things set up well, and that Jeremy is well-prepared to lead the program. He really understands both coaching and leadership, and I feel good that I am leaving the guys in good hands."

"It is very difficult to put into words what Mark has meant to this department," Birtwistle said. "I am grateful to Mark for his friendship and service as the men's soccer coach and athletic director. He has built a strong legacy and solid foundation.  I'm very sorry to see Mark go, but I believe that his legacy of excellence will continue as Jeremy leads the program through this transition."

Wagner will work through the first days ofApril to help in the transition.

"I think Eastern is the best college in America," he concluded," and I will remain one it's biggest fans for the rest of my life."