Lake Forest College Sports Information
December 9, 2004
Contact: Mike Wajerski, SID

Former Lake Forest College Coach, Administrator, and Teacher Passes Away
Nick Wasylik served at the college from 1958 to 1979

Nick Wasylik taught, coached both football and baseball, and served as Athletic Director.

LAKE FOREST, IL – Nick Wasylik, former Lake Forest College coach and Athletic Director, passed away at the age of 88 on Saturday (December 4) after a long battle with cancer.

Wasylik came to Lake Forest as the College’s football coach in 1958 and directed the team for eight seasons. He also served as baseball coach and an assistant professor of physical education and was the Athletic Director from 1959 to 1973. In his administrative role, he introduced both the ice hockey and men’s soccer programs and was instrumental in the construction of the Sports Center and the conversion of the field house to a hockey arena. He remained a member of the faculty until 1979 and was named the College’s Teacher of the Year in 1978. Wasylik was inducted into the Forester Athletic Hall of Fame in 1979 and, each year, an award in his name and honor is given to a graduating senior who best emulates his drive, determination, and positive outgoing attitude.

Wasylik was also a standout athlete himself, lettering in three sports (football, basketball, and baseball) at Ohio State University and later earning induction into its hall of fame. After his college graduation in 1938, he earned his M.A. from Columbia University and served as a naval lieutenant in World War II.

In addition to coaching and teaching at Lake Forest, Wasylik also filled the same roles at St. Clairsville High School, Colgate University, and Lafayette College. His coaching career also took him to the National Football League, where he was on the staffs of the Baltimore Colts, Chicago Cardinals, and Los Angeles Rams.

Throughout his life, Wasylik was also a strong advocate for the developmentally disabled and served on numerous committees and organizations dedicated to helping those who are less fortunate. His efforts in this area, as well as his coaching and teaching exploits, were recognized by Ohio State University when he received the institution’s highest alumni honor, the Citizenship Award.

Wasylik is survived by his wife, sister, three sons, five grandchildren, and countless others who benefited from his coaching, teaching, and care.