Northern Illinois University Athletics

Product of Miami (OH) fabled "Cradle of Coaches." Only person to carry Mid-Am colors as student-athlete, head head football coach, administrator, and league commissioner. Gained innovative reputation as czar of Mid-Continent Conference (1988-94) and MAC (1994-99). Led Mid-Am into 21st Century with loop expansion (Buffalo, Marshall, and Northern Illinois). Created 12-school, two-division MAC set-up (third such NCAA 1-A league after SEC and Big 12), league title game in football (telecast live nationally on ESPN), and Motor City Bowl tie-in (1997). Promoted women's sports, plus increased post-season bids, corporate sponsorships, and TV exposure in both leagues. Organized

Mid-Am's 50th anniversary celebration and secured Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, OH, for MAC cage tourney. Played on 1957 MAC champions and lettered as halfback twice for John Pont (1956-57). Served as prep coach at Sebring (OH) Goshen High (1958), Bellaire (OH) St. John's High (1959), Findlay (OH) High (1960-63), and Coshocton (OH) High (1963-66). Entered college grid ranks as aide to "Doc" Urich at Buffalo (1966-68). Arrived with Urich at NIU in first major-college season (1969). Promoted to head coach (1971). Produced school's first winning 1-A record (7-4 in 1972) and initial MAC victory (Western Michigan in 1975), plus played program's first Big Ten opponent (Wisconsin in 1971). Coached 11 Huskie NFL draft picks, seven All-Century Team players, five NFL and four WFL free agents, four NIU Hall of Famers, four All-Americas, two Academic All-Americas, school's first 1-A rushing champion (FB Mark Kellar in 1973), and initial First-Team All-MAC player (LB Bob Gregolunas in 1975). Returned to NIU in marketing & development, revamped Huskie Radio Network, and launched weekly coaches TV shows (1979). Three-sport star at Dillonvale (OH) High. Inducted into DHS Hall of Fame (2001). Initiated Houston Bowl (2000-03) and North-South All-Star Classic (2007).