Today, December 23, marks an incredibly special day for Lake Forest College Head Handball Coach and Assistant Football Coach Mike Dau ’58, as he turns 80 years young.
Dau’s affiliation with the College began in 1954 when he enrolled as a freshman. After graduating in 1958 with varsity letters in track and football and a stint in the Marine Corps, he began serving as an assistant football coach in 1962. After a year of coaching at Carmel High School, Dau returned to Lake Forest as an assistant football coach in the fall of 1964 and has never left. His involvement continued to evolve in 1966 when he assumed the role of head football coach, a position he held for 25 years, and when he started the Forester varsity handball program in 1968. Dau served for many years as the College’s athletic director and also coached baseball and basketball.
During Dau’s tenure at Lake Forest, he developed the handball team into an elite program that has a proven track record of winning national championships. Under Dau’s direction, the handball program has won 20 men’s, 11 women’s, and 18 combined titles. It is no wonder why Dau is one of the most decorated coaches to serve at Lake Forest College. His successes, however, do not compare to the number of students, coaches, administrators, and community members he has positively influenced.
In an effort to show Dau how grateful the athletic department is for his service and leadership, the athletic department, handball alum, and close family and friends gathered for a holiday cheer and birthday celebration on December 11. Remarks were given by Director of Athletics Jackie Slaats before presenting Dau with a custom made collage (view) comprised of photographs taken throughout the years. It was a small gesture of gratitude for someone who has had such a big impact on the department, the College, and the community.
Following this event, on December 13 current student-athletes and families from the handball and football teams honored Dau through the thoughtful and strategic planning of a surprise birthday party held in the Trophy Room at the Sports and Recreation Center. Current student-athletes thanked Coach Dau in a heartfelt video for the lifelong lessons they have learned and for the opportunity to compete at Lake Forest.
Among the kind words expressed in the videos junior Kyra Vidas expressed her gratitude by stating, “I’m so lucky to have you as a coach. You are someone I can always go to like a grandfather whenever I need support or anything.”
Junior Anthony Collado expressed his thanks with, “I want to thank you for all you have given me. You and Paula became my family and I appreciate all that you guys did for me starting from the first day I met you guys. It really means a lot and I plan to give back just as much you guys gave to me.”
More remarks from current student-athletes are available below.
It is undeniable that Dau has built and continues to add on to his legacy at Lake Forest College. On this special day in the Forest, the Athletic Department would like to say thank you and happy birthday to Mike Dau, a legendary coach, mentor, and friend.