In 1998, his second-to-last season as Stillwater's football coach, George Thole points his team toward the locker room at halftime of a game against Anoka. Thole, a disciple of the veer offense, won 257 games at Stillwater. (JEFF WHEELER/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

George Thole, legendary Stillwater football coach, died Wednesday at age 86.

Thole coached the Ponies from 1971 to 1999, guiding them to 18 football state tournament appearances, winning state championships in 1975, ’82, ’84 and ’95. They were state runners-up in 1977 and ’89. He also led Stillwater to 13 conference titles and 12 section titles.

For more on Thole, click here to read this story on startribune.com.