Knutson out as Washington baseball coach

SEATTLE, June 22 (UPI) -- Ken Knutson announced Monday he is retiring after 17 years as head baseball coach at the University of Washington.

Knutson, who is the all-time leader in wins at Washington with a 584-399-2 record, will leave his position effective June 30. He spent the last 27 years as a player, assistant coach and head coach at Washington.

"I have spent nearly my entire professional life at UW," Knutson said. "I am looking forward to spending more time with my family and having the opportunity to place my professional focus on growing my private business."

Knutson, a 1981 graduate of Washington, was named Pac-10 North Division Coach of the Year three times. He led Washington to two Pac-10 titles, four division championships and six appearances in the NCAA Tournament.