This is the seventh in a series of articles highlighting contributors to the renovation of the
University of Toledo's Larimer Athletic Complex.

Toledo, OH – As an offensive tackle at the University of Toledo in the late 1990's, Colin Westrich was used to paving the way for his teammates.

Years later, as a proud alumnus, his donation to Larimer Athletic Complex renovation project will help the Rockets' coaching staff to recruit the next generation of future stars.

Colin and his father, Jack Westrich, donated the office furniture in head coach Matt Campbell's office and the adjacent Legends Lounge. The furniture came courtesy of their family-owned store, Westrich Furniture in Delphos, which was first opened in 1937 by Colin's grandfather, Melvin Westrich.

Colin, who was a three-time All-MAC honoree,  said he was happy to contribute in any way  he could. “I take great pride in the University of Toledo,” he said. “This school was so wonderful to me. I feel proud to give back.”

Colin, who was inducted into the Varsity T Hall of Fame in 2008, played for the Rockets from 1995-99. He earned second-team All-MAC honors as a sophomore in 1997, and then made the first-team in 1998 and 1999. He was also rewarded for his excellence when the Sporting News named him third-team All-America. Colin said UT became a huge part of his life and his experiences there impacted his life immensely.

“I was very fortunate to have a lot of success with the Rockets under an incredible coach, Gary Pinkel,” said Colin. “I have nothing but good memories and absolutely zero regrets.”

Jack Westrich also graduated from the University of Toledo. Jack attended UT while the football program achieved their famous 35-0 record. Experiencing these undefeated teams initiated his passion for UT football, which was reignited by his son's presence on the team 30 years later.

Though Colin still lives in his hometown of Delphos, his heart has never left the UT campus. Not only does he regularly attend Rocket  football games, he often makes a detour through campus when he is in Toledo just to see if anything has changed. When contacted about the Larimer Renovation project, he jumped at the chance to participate. Providing furniture for Coach Campbell's office “seemed like a perfect fit.”

“I absolutely love the direction Coach Campbell is taking the football program,” Colin said. “He is a great man and a great coach.

“I cannot say it enough: I am proud to be a Rocket. They did so much for me. I just want to keep giving back.

 - Sasha Mandros, UT Athletic Communications Intern

For more information on how to help support this project, please contact senior associate athletic director Dave Nottke (419-530-2510 / david.nottke@utoledo.edu) or major gifts officer Dan Stong (419-530-5525 / daniel.stong@utoledo.edu).

Previous articles on Larimer Athletic Center Donors

Sullivans' Gift for the Renovation of Larimer is the Latest in a Long Line of UT Contributions - June 19, 2014

New Rocket Academic Center to be Named in Honor or Marcia and Roy Armes - June 24, 2014

Ron Vail: A Toledo Man Gives Back to His Alma Mater - July 2, 20

Al Baker Hopes Larimer Renovation Will Spur Future Rockets to Greatness - July 18, 2014 The McQuades Continue to Help Build UT's Future - July 29, 2014 Former Rocket Al Thigpen Inspires Future Leaders - August 8, 2014