COLUMBUS -- Humble in victory, gracious in defeat. That is the creed that Bob Lutz has always lived by, and, looking at his 311-68-5 career record, Lutz has been humble for most of his life.

That humility was present once again Friday night when Lutz earned a great personal victory, his induction into the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame during ceremonies at the Ohio State University Schottenstein Center.

Although Lutz's accomplishments are unmatched, as usual, he shifted all the accolades toward others.

Lutz thanked the team trainers and doctors such as 30-year team physician Dr. John Leach, and "all the community, especially of Ironton, who have supported us and been so rabid about football for all these many years. And especially I would like to thank the all the players and all the students that I've been fortunate to have been a part of their lives and hopefully have been some benefit to them down through the years."

Another "thank you" was directed toward his assistant coaches and the administrators at Oak Hill, his first coaching job, Ironton St. Joseph and Ironton high schools.

"A guy once said in an administration class, one of the characteristics of leadership is to designate authority and get out of the way and allow them do their work. I've been fortunate down through the years to allow a lot of good guys the opportunity to do the work," Lutz said.

"I want to thank the administrators at Oak Hill High School, St. Joseph High School, and Ironton High School who have given me the opportunity to teach and coach at their great schools."

Former Ironton athletic director and assistant football coach Mike Burcham introduced Lutz. Burcham skimmed over Lutz's record and accomplishments and took aim at his character.

"The best thing I can say about Bob Lutz, and he's a dear friend of all of us, about his life and his coaching, is the number one question he would always ask, 'Can I trust you?' " Burcham said.

"And his life has been like that. With his family, his brothers and sister, and certainly with his teams and players. And if you analyze it real close, that's what coaching is all about. If you can trust each other, you can go far."

Lutz said his accomplishments were made possible with the held of Burcham. The two coached side-by-side for 30 years until Burcham retired after the 2001 season.

"Mike has been my right hand man, my buddy, friend, confidant, whatever, for years and years and years. He could have been a head football coach and very successful one if he chose to go that route. But I was fortunate that he chose not to go that route and stayed right by me," Lutz said.

While Lutz thank a multitude of people, his greatest "thank you" was directed toward his wife and family.

"I want to start out by thanking