Mel J. Nicks’ coaching career spanned forty-four years – twenty-six at St. Norbert College, fourteen as a high school coach, and four years in the U.S. Navy with the Gene Tunney Program in physical education – and covered all sports. At St. Norbert, he was head coach in football, basketball, track, and baseball, as well as athletic director and chairman of the college’s physical education, health and safety program. Nicks coached the St. Norbert football team to an undefeated, untied season in 1957 – the only Catholic team to achieve such a record at the time – and was named the 1957 Small College Catholic Football Coach of the Year. Under his tutelage, seven St. Norbert players were drafted by the National Football League. A graduate of Loras College, Dubuque, Iowa, Nicks lettered in three sports and was co-captain of the basketball team. He received his Masters degree from the University of Iowa and did post graduate studies at UW-Madison, Northwestern, Kentucky, and Michigan State Universities. St. Norbert College honored Nicks as professor emeritus in physical education when he retired in 1979. Among his memberships and activities, Nicks served as a member and director of the executive committee of Wisconsin Governor Warren Knowles Fitness Committee (Region 9), NAIA executive committee for fifteen years, director of WISAA coaching clinics for four years, and chairman of the physical education curriculum committee for the Green Bay Diocese, among others. Nicks authored two texts on elementary physical education curriculum and was frequently called upon as a guest speaker and resource person for various clubs, organizations, schools, and youth groups. Nicks’ honors and awards are as numerous as his activities. They include: Red Smith Award for athletic contribution, Loras College Hall of Fame, First Outstanding Alumni Athlete Award, NAIA Hall of Fame, WISAA Man of the Year, Wisconsin High School Baseball Coach of the Year, NAIA Area Baseball Coach of the Year, and twice named District Baseball Coach of the Year.

Biographical Note written by Joe Dyal, 2019.