IRVINE, CA --- Longtime Concordia track and field coach Len Blutreich, who coached 21 NAIA All-Americans in 12 years as the Eagles' throwing coach, has died after a bout with cancer. "Coach Blu," as he was known to his athletes and colleagues, passed away late Sunday night.

A memorial service has been scheduled for this Sunday (Dec. 13) at Grace Community Church of Saddleback Valley in Lake Forest, starting at 3:30 p.m. The address is 26052 Trabuco Rd., Lake Forest, CA 92630.

Blutreich is survived by his wife of 48 years, Virginia, an adult son, Brian, and two granddaughters.

"Coach Blu was a vital part of Concordia Athletics' mission over his time here, and he made a great impact on the lives of his athletes and fellow coaches," Director of Athletics David Bireline said. "Coach Blu will be missed, but he won't be forgotten by anyone who had a chance to know him."

Blutreich, who served in the Orange County Probation Department for 34 in Juvenile Corrections, was a part of the U.S. National Track and Field Team that competed in the 1965 Maccabiah Games in Israel.

He began his coaching career shortly thereafter, and coached his son, Brian (a 1992 U.S. Olympian), to CIF Championships in shot-put and discus.

"Coach Blu was a tremendous blessing and role model for all of the student-athletes who were fortunate enough to work with him," Tom White, Concordia's Program Director for Master's in Coaching and Athletic Administration, said. "He leaves us a legacy of dedication and humility. He was a consummate coach, and he was also a consummate Christian."

"Len was a warrior. He was an old school, blue-collar type of a man," Concordia's Dean of Arts and Sciences Tim Preuss, who served as Athletics Director from 2005-09, said. "Len helped each of his throwers reach higher acheivements because he was down-to-earth and he took the time to get to know each of them well enough to know how to motivate them."

"Len was the consummate servant and friend for his athletes and co-workers," Preuss said. "He never had a cross word to say about anyone, and if he did ever say something critical, he would always apologize about it first."

"Coach Blu's assistance was a tremendous boost," head Track and Field coach Martin Gonzalez said earlier this year. "His knowledge, character, and passion are admirable and inspiring. I enjoy the balance of serious coaching and the outgoing fun Coach Blu displays. His competitiveness and sportsmanship during competitions has earned him so much respect."

"Coach Blu's commitment and engagement with the Lord our Savior is the key of how he was able to bless so many souls on and off the field," Gonzalez said.