Richard Kolowski

Richard Kolowski

  • Year:
    1966
  • Hometown:
    Oglesby, Illinois
  • High School:
    LaSalle-Peru
  • Team:
    Wrestling, Football

Growing up in Oglesby, Illinois, Rick attended LaSalle-Peru High School where he participated in football and basketball.

He entered Lake Forest in 1962 and earned five letters, one in wrestling and four in football.  Gaining an extra season of eligibility due to an injury his freshman year, Rick played almost every down over the next four football seasons.  He was voted Most Valuable Player his final season.  A member of Digamma Alpha Upsilon, he was also a Resident Assistant and was elected to Iron Key.

After graduating with a degree in government, Rick was a twelfth-round draft pick for the Kansas City Chiefs, but he failed to make the final cut.  He then played three years of semi-pro football for the Omaha Mustangs.  He entered the teaching profession but continued his education, earning a Masters from the University of Nebraska-Omaha in 1970 and a Ph.D. from Nebraska in 1978.  With the completion of his advanced education he advanced to the rank of high school principal.

Rick was also active in civic organizations, volunteering as a YMCA "T" ball, baseball, and basketball coach. He served on the Executive Board of the local YMCA and the Metro YMCA Board of Directors.  For his achievements in education, Lake Forest College awarded him an Alumni Distinguished Service Award in 1997.