Longtime Luther College coach Bob Naslund receives the Spirit of Luther Award

Luther College President Paula Carlson and Spirit of Luther Award recipient Bob Naslund

Long-time Luther College coach, supporter, friend and participant Bob Naslund has received the Spirit of Luther Award.

Luther President Paula Carlson presented the award to Naslund Thursday morning at the college's spring semester opening convocation.  Carlson said Naslund, "has been a dedicated coach and mentor to generations of Luther student-athletes and a champion of diversity and opportunity."

Naslund was Luther's head football coach for 18 years and head track and field coach for 12 years, winning 12 Iowa Conference team titles and Coach of the Year honors nine times.

Naslund has been a mentor for Luther students and has maintained relationships with alumni for decades. In retirement, he often drives the Luther team bus and remains a fan of Norse student-athletes and teams.
           
"I'm honored to receive this award," said Naslund. "There is no athlete I admire more than the Luther College student-athlete."

The Spirit of Luther Award recognizes individuals or couples who have provided significant sustained service to the college and who have demonstrated a personal commitment to Luther's mission, quality and character.