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| Westminster (Mo.) athletics photo |
Westminster College announced that head football coach John Welty is retiring after 24 years with the Blue Jays.
The longtime Blue Jays coach began his career with Westminster in 1998 as a defensive coordinator, transitioning to head coach in 1999.
“I consider it an honor and privilege to have had the opportunity to coach football at Westminster,” he said. “I would like to thank the college for entrusting me to lead this program and am thankful for seeing so many young men move on to successful careers after graduation.”
Welty holds an overall head coaching record of 103-108. During his tenure at Westminster, he won three Upper Midwest Athletic Conference South Division championships, two UMAC championships, and a St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship. He was named UMAC South Division Coach of the Year in 2003, 2004, 2005, respectively. Welty was also UMAC Co-Coach of the Year in 2004 and SLIAC Coach of the Year in 1999.
“Coach Welty’s time at Westminster has impacted many students’ lives. His dedication to the team, the sport, and the college is a testament to who he is as a coach and as a person. On behalf of the college, and the many Blue Jays he has coached over the 24 years of his tenure, we sincerely thank him and wish him the best,” said Donald P. Lofe, Jr., President and Chief Transformation Officer of Westminster College.
Derek Zander, Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics, Athletics Advancement, and Strategic Programs stated that he is appreciative of the strong foundation in football Welty leaves as his legacy, a foundation which Zander is looking forward to building upon.
“John’s legacy at Westminster extends well beyond numerous awards, accolades, and championships,” Zander said. “He has invested a great deal of himself in the Blue Jays football program, his former coaches, and every student-athlete he has coached during his tenure. I appreciate all that he has done to build the program that we have today.”
The college will immediately begin a national search to replace Welty.