St. Ambrose women's golf coach and teacher Dr. Michael Orfitelli died Saturday, according to school officials.

Orfitelli was in his fifth season at the helm of the women's golf program in 2009 and had been part of the SAU community for more than 30 years, serving many different roles in the athletic and physical education departments. Orfitelli was the chair of the P.E. department for 16 years, while also teaching classes in such subjects as kinesiology, wellness, sport promotions and marketing, and individual and team sport skills. Orfitelli was nominated for the faculty member of the year four times. He was inducted into the St. Ambrose Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003.

While Orfitelli was in his fifth season as women's golf coach, he was not new to the coaching profession. Orfitelli served as the head coach of the women's soccer team from its inception in 1994 until 2000. Orfitelli was named Midwest Classic Conference Coach of the Year in 1996, 1997, and 1999, and NAIA Region VII Coach of the Year in 2000, while coaching St. Ambrose to top 25 finishes in 1999 and 2000.

Before coming to St. Ambrose, Orfitelli earned his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Health and Physical Education from Pittsburg State in Pittsburg, KS. He then continued his education at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, where he earned his Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction. Orfitelli then attended the University of Iowa, where he earned his post doctorate degree in education administration.