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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E456-E457]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO COACH ROBERT EDWIN ``ED'' NOVAK, SR.
______
HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER
of maryland
in the house of representatives
Friday, May 15, 2020
Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor
the life and legacy of Coach Robert Edwin ``Ed'' Novak, Sr., for his
exceptional service to our country and his contributions to the
education of youth in Baltimore.
A native Baltimorean, Coach Novak graduated from Baltimore City
College in 1944. Immediately after, at the age of 17, he enlisted in
the U.S. Navy, where he was assigned to the Pacific Theater during
World War II as an
[[Page E457]]
Electrician's Mate First Class onboard the USS LST 582 and USS LST 72.
After the war, Coach Novak resumed his education, earning his
Bachelor's Degree from the University of Maryland College Park, and
meeting his wife, Mrs. Phyllis Jane Shipley. Together they would have
three children: Deborah Glasgow, Robert Novak, Jr., and Kevin Novak; as
well as six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Coach Novak began his coaching career as an assistant football coach
for his alma matter, the City Collge Knights, where he was my swim and
football coach. During his tenure, Coach Novak would lead the Knight's
football program to a 6-2 record against their rival, Baltimore
Polytechnic Institute, six Maryland Scholastic Association
championships, and a top 10 ranking in the country.
In 1965, he became the first athletic director at Northwestern High
School in Baltimore. Coach Novak coached four sports and led the
Wildcats to two football state titles before transferring to the
McDonogh School in Owings Mills in 1978, where he would work for 13
years. Coach Novak was inducted to the McDonogh School Athletic Hall of
Fame, was named Maryland Athletic Director of the Year, and was
inducted to the Maryland State Athletic Director's Hall of Fame.
Madam Speaker, aside from the decades Coach Novak spent in school
athletics and sports administration, he was perhaps best known for his
service to his community. Coach Novak and his wife Phyllis facilitated
reunions for his WWII ship and he was an active member of the Ensign C.
Markland Kelly, Jr. Memorial Post 174 as well as the Veterans of
Foreign Wars Post 9083. He taught swimming for 21 years at the Hampton
Pool in Towson, and was a co-founder of the Free State Swim League, for
which he was recongized by the American Red Cross for his 30 years and
4,500 hours of volunteerism.
Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me today to honor the life of
Coach Robert Edwin ``Ed'' Novak, Sr. His compassion and dedication to
our country, the Baltimore community, and his students is an
inspiration to all. I humbly express my condolences to his friends and
family and wish them peace and comfort in the days ahead
____________________