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| Pacific Lutheran athletics photo |
Pacific Lutheran announced on Wednesday the resignation of head football coach Scott Westering. A member of the PLU Hall of Fame, Westering has been involved with Lute athletics as a student-athlete and a coach. Westering began his tenure on the coaching staff in 1981 and has been the head coach for the last 14 seasons, compiling a record of 73-54.
"I have been blessed by my Lord and Savior to have had the opportunity to be part of as well as carry on the legacy of PLU football over the last 37 years. I've dedicated my life to speaking into and molding the lives of young men through the greatest game in the world ... football. A Westering has sat on the captain's chair here for 46 years. We have had a lot of success and truly made 'The Big Time' here at PLU," Westering said. "That said, I feel the time is right for me to pass the torch on. I would like to thank PLU for the opportunity and support over the years. It's been an incredible part of my and our family's life."
The University appointed assistant head coach Jud Keim as interim head coach to lead the Lutes through the recruiting season.
"Scott and the entire Westering family have created a legacy at this university that will be with us for many years to come," PLU athletic director Laurie Turner said. "We owe Scott a great deal of gratitude for his dedication to the Lutes football program."
A 1998 PLU Hall of Fame inductee, Westering was a student-athlete on the 1980 NAIA Division II national championship team while serving as an assistant for the 1987 and 1993 NAIA Division II national title teams, in addition to the 1999 NCAA Division III national title squad. He also helped the Lutes qualify for the NAIA or NCAA postseason 19 times, including two trips to the NCAA Division III Tournament as the head coach.
The University also announced plans to immediately launch a national search for a new head coach.
"PLU has a rich football tradition, and we play in a highly competitive conference that is regularly vying for national championships," said Turner. "We feel confident that many high-quality coaches will be interested in this position."
Turner noted they hope to have a new head coach in place in the near future.