His coaching career had to end sometime.

But that doesn’t mean we have to like it.

Howard has already begun his 37th season as head coach of the Cooperstown boys track team, and, after years of procrastination, he said on Monday this would definitely be his final season.

He became the varsity coach in 1971, and has coached generations of athletes at Cooperstown. When talking to him about the team on Monday, he told one of our reporters that Brian Clancy was one his top distance runners this season. Then quickly said ``No, that’s his father, it’s Richard Clancy.’’

Howard literally connects generations in Cooperstown. And, though he’d hate to be described this way, he is a coaching legend.

Not because he has built a powerful track program, but because of the relationship he has with his athletes.

``My favorite memories are not going to be of wins and losses,’’ Howard said. ``My favorite memories are the funny moments and the times when the kids did more than they thought they were capable of.’’

By all accounts, Howard just has an instinctive way of connecting with all of his athletes.

``That’s what I’ll remember him for more than anything,’’ said CCS athletic director Mike Cring. ``He’s just got that special gift.’’

Next year, Howard, who retired from teaching at Cooperstown in 2000 and spends the winter months in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, will spend more time golfing, sailing, watching his grandchildren compete in sports, and ``drinking mint juleps with his wife, Doris.’’

He said he will return to Cooperstown in May, and will attend meets and help out with the program in any way he is asked.

``In a couple of years, no one will even remember me anymore,’’ Howard joked. ``I’ll just be another guy in the stands.’’

There are hundreds of his former athletes who would beg to differ.