FAIRMONT, W.Va. – The Fairmont State University athletic department is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of former head football coach, Dave Ritchie.

"In my time here at Fairmont State, I have had countless conversations with football alums regarding their experience playing for Coach Ritchie," said Athletic Director Greg Bamberger. "He was one of the solid individuals who was a huge part of the foundation of Falcon football. The Fighting Falcon family sends our prayers and condolences to the Ritchie family."

Ritchie led the Falcons from 1978 through 1982 and during that time he compiled a record of 35-13-3 while going 31-10-2 in the WVIAC. His teams were atop the WVIAC in 1979 and 1981 and coached 15 different All-WVIAC First Team members.

Some notable players to have played under Coach Ritchie were Luc Tousignant who was drafted by the Buffalo Bills and later signed with the Montreal Concordes (presently the Alouettes) of the Canadian Football League. Tousignant was named WVIAC Offensive Player of the Year in 1981 as fellow teammate Randy Jones was named the conference's Defensive Player of the Year in 1981.

Pierre Lord joined Tousignant in the CFL as he signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Over the five seasons, Ritchie as coached 10 different players to All-American status as another was named Academic All-American.

Following his stint at Fairmont State, Ritchie coached all over the world but most notably the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL where he won a Grey Cup Championship and was named Coach of the Year in 2001. He also won two other Grey Cups with the BC Lions.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Ritchie family and to all those who knew him.