A total of 37 seasons, 341 wins, 24 state playoff appearances, six runners-up and two state championships.

Ironton assistant coach and longtime friend Mike Burcham summed up the Bob Lutz coaching era in five words.

“It was a great run,” Burcham said.

The “run” came to an end Monday when Lutz officially announced his retirement. He had told his coaching staff prior to the 2005 season that this was his final campaign.

Burcham, Ironton’s former athletic director, recommended to the Ironton school board to hire Lutz in 1972. The board picked Larry Coyer who turned down the job a day after accepting the position.

The job fell to Lutz and the rest, as they say, is history.

“You hate to see it end,” Burcham said.

“Bob had great organizational skills, a great knowledge of the game and he knew how to get the best out of his players where they would best help the team. But not only that, he is a great friend. He always said you have to take care of your people.”

Another Ironton assistant, Mark Lewis, said Lutz has been a great leader for the school system as well as the football program.

“Bob has great wisdom and common sense. He always wanted what was best for whole and not just a few. He supported all the athletic programs and other activities. He didn’t try to make football the only thing that was important in the school,” Lewis said.

Troy Sands knows the value of Lutz’s program. Sands was an All-Ohio linebacker at Ironton and started as a freshman for Ohio University.

“I’m stunned,” Sands said of Lutz’s announcement.

“He was strict and aggressive. He got me ready for he next level. Playing for OU was like playing at Ironton. It was like I never left.”

Jim Hacker, co-owner of Iron City Hardware, played on Lutz’s first team at St. Joseph.

“I knew it would end sometime, but I was hoping he would stay around for another championship,” Hacker said.

“Bob was my first coach, so I always felt a personal tie with his team. He was a great coach and he was always fair.”

Longtime Tiger Clan booster Rusty White was sad to see Lutz opt for retirement.

“Bob’a legend and everybody knows that. He and Mike (Burcham), if it’s their decision to retire, have my blessing even though I wish they would stay,” White said.

Although he has announced his retirement, there are efforts being made by several board members and superintendent Dean Nance to entice Lutz to return.

“I’d like to see (Lutz) coach another four or five years. They’re good for the kids. Bob and his staff are the only fathers some of those kids have. They love those kids and those kids really respect the coaches,” White said.