TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - Indiana State University Director of Athletics Ron Prettyman this afternoon (September 24) announced that head football coach Lou West has been relieved of his duties effective immediately. He will be reassigned within the University. Former head coach Dennis Raetz will take over on an interim basis.

"I appreciate Lou's dedication to his players and his staff along his efforts to enhance our program over the last three years. With that being said, I have not seen progress in the football program that we had all hoped for, and we will make a change."

West was 1-25 in two plus seasons at the helm of the Sycamores, suffering a 54-20 loss at home to Eastern Illinois last Saturday night. The Sycamores are currently 0-4 on the season.

Raetz last roamed the sidelines for the Sycamores in 1997, guiding ISU to 94 wins in 18 seasons. He recently retired as Associate Director of Athletics at ISU in June of this year. He helped guide the Sycamores to a No. 1 national ranking in 1983 and 1984, and is currently scouting for the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League. He takes over the program Tuesday.

Prettyman says a national search for a replacement will begin immediately.

Raetz and the Sycamores return to action Saturday afternoon when they open up Gateway Football Conference play, hosting Southern Illinois. Kickoff is slated for Noon (EST).