LISLE, Ill. – John Ostrowski, one of the winningest coaches in NCAA Division III Baseball, has announced his retirement as the head coach at Benedictine University following 43 years at the helm.

"I have been very blessed to be at a great school like Benedictine for my entire career," Ostrowski said. "I have had outstanding support from administrators, faculty and staff. Add to that the outstanding players that I was fortunate to coach. All of that made this a dream job that I wouldn't have traded for any other."

Ostrowski, owner of the most wins in school history, departs Benedictine with 990 career victories. The hall of famer became just the 10th coach in NCAA Division III history to win 900 games and only the sixth to do so at the same school. Ostrowski claimed his 900th career win in 2012.

Under the direction of Ostrowski, Benedictine became one of the most respected programs in the Midwest, building a consistent model of success.  Benedictine reached the NCAA Regionals on eight occasions, most recently 2013. Benedictine also appeared in regionals in 1980, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1995, 2000, and 2003. Benedictine finished in the top three at regionals three times in 1991, 1995, and 2003.

"John will be remembered as one of the major modern day 'founders' of Benedictine University," outgoing Benedictine University President William J. Carroll, Ph.D., said. "His service and dedication to his students and the University are a model for all."

Ostrowski took over the Benedictine program in 1973, instantly notching a winning record at 19-13. The 1974 team won 21 games, the first of three consecutive seasons with 20 or more victories. Benedictine won eight straight conference titles in the first eight years of Ostrowski's reign.

Beginning with a 22-18 team in 1987, Benedictine rolled off an impressive stretch of 18 straight years with 20 or more victories, three times eclipsing 30 wins including a school record 32 in 2000. The 2013 team also won 32 contests, reaching the NCAA Regionals. The 1991 team finished 31-9-1, setting the school mark for fewest losses in a season.

Overall, Ostrowski's teams won at least 20 games on 32 occasions and more than 25 on 16 occasions. The 2015 team, his final group, upset conference co-champion Marian in the opening round of the NACC Baseball Tournament and played a remarkable 19 one-run games.

Benedictine opened a beautiful new baseball facility under Ostrowski's watch in the Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex. The facility is consistently viewed as one of the top facilities in the Midwest.

"Coach Ostrowski leaves behind a tremendous legacy that has impacted the lives of many young men coming through the institution," Director of Athletics Mark McHorney said. "His impact was felt way beyond the diamond and I thank him for his gracious lengthy service to this institution."

Benedictine won 16 conference titles and finished among the top two 33 times under the leadership of the Palos Park, Ill. resident. Ostrowski guided over 50 all-region honorees and eight All-Americans along with helping to mentor countless young men through the baseball program, several of which have gone into coaching at various levels. The Benedictine record book is full of players who took the field under his guidance.

Ostrowski was inducted into the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association (IHSBCA) Hall of Fame in 2003 and the Lewis College Hall of Fame in 2007.

Ostrowski began his coaching career as a student assistant at Lewis University under the legendary Gordie Gillespie, who is college baseball's all-time leaders in wins. Ostrowski then served as a graduate assistant at Nebraska State University (now Chadron State) before he was named head varsity coach at the now-closed Driscoll Catholic High School in Addison.

A national search for the next head baseball coach is underway.