Frosty Westering remains the last D-III coach besides Larry Kehres to leave Salem victorious. 1999 D3football.com photo by Pat Coleman

After 32 years at Pacific Lutheran, legendary head coach Frosty Westering announced today he would step down following the 2003 football season.

Westering, 75, a member of a select group of college football coaches who have won at least 250 games, has announced his decision to retire from the gridiron at the end of the 2003 season.

"My career at PLU has been more than anyone could have hoped or imagined," Westering said. "The chance to make a difference in the lives of generations of PLU students has been a true blessing for me. We have all made the big time right here."

Pacific Lutheran president Loren Anderson said Westering has been an institution at PLU. "Frosty has served PLU as a coach, a professor and a mentor. He has built a following among his players and personal relationships in the community that cannot be matched. I"ll miss Frosty. We'll all miss Frosty."

According to Paul Hoseth, PLU athletic director, few people have had a greater positive impact for more PLU students than Frosty. "It has been an amazing run," Hoseth said. "We wish Donna and Frosty many years of good health and continuing to make the ‘big time where they are'."

A national search for a new head coach will begin at the end of the football season, Hoseth said.

Entering this season, Westering has a career record of 299-93-7 in 38 years of coaching, including 255-67-5 in 32 years at PLU. His career record is 10th among coaches in all divisions who have won at least 250 games. That list includes Eddie Robinson, John Gagliardi, Joe Paterno, Bobby Bowden, Paul "Bear" Bryant, Charles "Pop" Warner, Amos Alonzo Stagg and Tom Osborne. He is second all-time in victories for Division III coaches. With his first victory this season, Westering will be one of just nine coaches who have won 300 games in their career.

No PLU team under his guidance has suffered a losing season. The 1999 team won the Division III national championship, defeating Rowan in Stagg Bowl XXVII.