Feb. 27, 2000

Las Cruces, N.M. - Leave it to UIC Head Coach Mike McGovern to reach a career milestone in such dramatic fashion. With their coach just one win away from his 500th career coaching victory, the 18th-ranked Flames rallied to send the game into extra innings before downing Wichita State, 4-3, in eight innings late Saturday night to give McGovern the landmark victory.

"It's an honor to be able to reach a milestone like this, but it's really the kids who win the games," McGovern said after the win. "It's a testament to the kind of program we've built at UIC to be able to win so many games during the past 11 years. But, while it's a nice honor, we have a nationally-ranked team in the middle of its season, so that's where my immediate attention lies right now. "

McGovern entered the season with a 485-177-1 record in 10 seasons as UIC's skipper. His team began this year with a No. 22 preseason ranking before jumping to No. 18 in the polls with a 15-8 overall record through Saturday night. That total puts McGovern's career record at 500-185-1 (.731).

McGovern is the sixth-winningest active coach at the NCAA Division I level, having won more than 73% of his games heading into the 2000 season. With his 500th victory against Wichita State, he becomes just the 32nd active coach to reach the half-century mark.