NORTHFIELD, Minn. - Former St. Olaf head football coach Tom Porter passed away on Thursday morning at the age of 83.

Porter was widely regarded as a model leader, friend and family man. He remained in the Northfield community after his retirement in 1991 and was a fixture at community events and St. Olaf athletic contests, even days before his death.

Porter coached at St. Olaf from 1958-1990, compiling a 174-116-10 record in 32 seasons. Porter led St. Olaf to six Midwest Conference championships (1960, 1961, 1966, 1969, 1970, 1971) and a pair of MIAC championships (1978, 1979) and the school's only trip to the NCAA playoffs in 1979.

Tom Porter Hall, the fieldhouse adjacent to the football stadium and track, was dedicated in honor of the legendary coach in 2006.

He's a guy that did it right, said Dave Hauck, longtime head swimming and diving coach and a colleague of Porter.

Funeral arrangements are pending.