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What we learned from Mike Candrea’s retirement press conference

Standing on a podium in front of family, friends, administrators and dozens of his former players, longtime Arizona softball coach Mike Candrea officially announced his retirement at a press conference Tuesday in McKale Center.

He leaves after 36 years and an NCAA record 1,674 wins and eight national championships,

Here are some key takeaways from the day.

Candrea delayed his retirement for the seniors

Candrea wanted to depart with this senior class, which he has referred to many times as the Gold Standard because of their excellence on and off the field. He had promised them that he would see their careers through.