Westmont Magazine Remembering Coach Paynter

Earlier this year, the college community mourned the death of former coach and dorm parent David Paynter, who elevated Westmont’s athletic program from club to intercollegiate status.

A 1944 Wheaton graduate, Coach Paynter pitched professionally for the Hollywood Stars in the Pacific Coast League before coming to Westmont. According to Dwight Anderson ’53, director of the freshman year, Paynter “got Westmont College sports off the ground” by initiating intercollegiate athletics. Previously, the Warriors played against Santa Barbara High School.

After leaving Westmont, Paynter became an educational superintendent in southern California for the remainder of his career. Eventually, he retired to a ranching business with Peg Lovik Nicholas’ brother in Porterville, California.