[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 92 (Friday, May 15, 2020)]
[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

                          ____________________