Zach Kindler, Baker University’s track and field and cross country coach, died late Monday night from a severe cardiac arrest. There will be a prayer service for the Kindler family Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the Osborne Chapel.

“Zach was a decorated coach and mentor, and above all else, a wonderful man,” Director of Athletics Theresa Yetmar said in a university email. “He led the Baker track and field and cross country programs to new heights since his appointment in 2007.”

Kindler came to Baker after coaching three seasons at Kansas Wesleyan University. The Esbon, Kan., native and former All-American track athlete at Fort Hays State University left an impressive stamp on Baker athletics.

In 2013-14 alone, Kindler led the Wildcats to HAAC championships in women’s cross country, men’s indoor and outdoor track and field and women’s indoor and outdoor track and field. Kindler leaves behind four consecutive men’s outdoor track and field conference titles as well as three consecutive women’s indoor and outdoor conference track titles.

“We’re going to be losing a lot of heart, taking this toll as a team, but we’re a family and we’ll just be stronger and work harder with the momentum that Kindler left us,” senior Kayla Hannam, women’s outdoor track high jumper, said. “We will do it for the sake of Kindler, as if he’s still here with us.”

2012-13 was Kindler’s best year at Baker University. He led BU athletes to five conference championships along with three top-15 finishes at the national level and an individual national championship for Baker alum Jeremy Gathright in the men’s 400. This was the second individual championship under Kindler’s tenure; the first was senior Stephanie Nelson the prior season in women’s javelin.

“My favorite memory of Kindler isn’t winning,” Hannam said. “It’s actually funny because I’m a huge soda drinker and he told me if I was an all-American, he’d buy me a soda. But in the end, he gave me one of his prized Red Bulls, something he drinks all the time. I think that’s when I knew how much he cared for me.”

Kindler was named the HAAC Coach of the Year 20 times over his seven years and his teams also claimed 17 conference championships. But some of his student-athletes believe Kindler was more than just a coach; junior javelin thrower Jordan Miller said that Kindler had a big influence in her decision to come to Baker. Kindler helped walk Miller through her recruitment process, and the two even went para-sailing together during a trip to the 2014 HAAC national meet in Gulf Shores, Ala.

“He’s the guy that would do anything for you,” Miller said. “He even came to my high school meets to check up on me and it showed me how much he cared.”

Hannam agreed, saying that Kindler wasn’t just a great leader, he was a perfect leader. His selflessness and ability to maintain his cool was something that benefited the whole team. Hannam believes his support was immense, and that he taught her to “just believe” in herself.

A GoFundMe account has been created to help support the Kindler family, which includes wife Sara and children Taylor, Carter and Tessa. In only eight hours, the fundraiser called “Help for Zach Kindler’s Family” raised over $8,000. People can donate and share the fundraiser, while also leaving comments for the family.