Former Eastern Washington University and Central Washington football coach Albert Harold ‘Abe’ Poffenroth died Thursday at his home in Spokane. He was 79.

Poffenroth was a member of the Eastern Washington University faculty and dean of men from 1946 to 1955. As the school’s football coach between 1947 and 1952, Poffenroth led Eastern to a 32-19-1 record.

Poffenroth earned his bachelor’s degree at EWU in 1940. He was a four-year all-conference member of the football team. Poffenroth earned a master’s degree from Washington State University in 1950.

Poffenroth was a 1936 graduate of Rogers High School. In 1935, he led the Rogers football team to the Spokane Football League championship and was named to the all-city team. He was also a three-year letterman in basketball and track.

Poffenroth joined the Central Washington physical education faculty and took the reins of the Wildcats football program in 1955. During six years, he led the Wildcats to 25 wins, 22 losses and two ties. His team twice won the Evergreen Conference championship.

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