Nicholas J. Wasylik came to Lake Forest in 1958 and was Athletic Director from 1959 to 1973. He also coached the football and baseball teams and was an assistant professor of physical education. While at the College, he introduced both the ice hockey and soccer programs. He was also instrumental in the construction of the Sports Center and the conversion of the field house to a hockey arena.
In addition to his contributions to the College, Wasylik's civic leadership and accomplishments were equally noteworthy. His contributions to the developmentally disabled were especially significant. The Alumni Association at Ohio State University, his alma mater, to award him its highest honor, the Citizenship Award, which recognizes Alumni who have done service beyond the call of duty.
Wasylik was inducted into the Lake Forest College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1979 and the Ohio State University Varsity "O" Hall of Fame in 2003. He passed away on December 4, 2004.
The Nicholas J. Wasylik Senior Athletic Award was created and endowed in 1983 by Seymour H. Knox IV, a Lake Forest College graduate of the Class of 1979. The award is presented to the senior athlete who best emulates the positive, outgoing attitude as well as the drive and determination of Nicholas J. Wasylik. The recipient is chosen by the Director of Athletics, in consultation with the members of the Athletic Department.
YEAR | INDIVIDUAL |
2022 | Kylie Morgan, Swimming & Diving |
2021 | Amanda Lee, Golf |
2020 | Jacque Rogers, Hockey |
2019 | Amy Budde, Hockey |
2018 | Davis DeKorte, Golf/Hockey |
2017 | Virgil Thomas, Swimming & Diving |
2016 | Melissa Paluch, Hockey |
2015 | Joey Kropp, Football |
2014 | Jordan Gipson, Basketball |
2013 | Liz Radtke, Basketball |
2012 | Luke Butts, Football |
2011 | Tyler Gross, Hockey |
2010 | Jaron Eanes, Football |
2009 | Katie Rice, Soccer |
2008 | Maggie Rezac, Swimming & Diving |
2007 | Ashley Brant, Cross Country |
2006 | Melissa Wegner, Softball |
2005 | Kristen Fink, Soccer/Basketball |
2004 | Tony Bertuca, Football |
2003 | Robyn Slater, Hockey/Softball/Tennis |
2002 | Jamie Irons, Tennis |
2001 | Kim Magee, Softball/Basketball |
2000 | Mary Gerke, Volleyball/Handball |
1999 | Renee Bojrab, Tennis Michelle Kramer, Basketball |
1998 | Jessica Wiehrdt, Soccer/Basketball |
1997 | Lindsey Kabat, Soccer/Basketball |
1996 | T.R. Bell, Soccer/Hockey |
1995 | Jeff Johnson, Swimming & Diving |
1994 | Patti Timmerman, Volleyball/Basketball |
1993 | Anne Bennett, Basketball/Soccer |
1992 | Dan Bracken, Soccer |
1991 | Frank Salvoni, Hockey/Soccer |
1990 | Rick Hirsch, Basketball |
1989 | Eve Alexander, Volleyball/Softball |
1988 | Suzi Hirsch, Basketball |
1987 | Tim Bernero, Basketball |
1986 | Ralph Kunzmann, Hockey/Soccer |
1985 | Cathie Griffin, Handball |
1984 | Larry Kucharski, Basketball |
1983 | Dan Moriarty, Hockey |