Former Boston Mayor
Kevin White '52 and Paul Grogan '72, who worked with
John Kowalik's older brother Joe, indirectly influenced
John's decision to attend Williams. “I learned of
Williams' academic reputation and rich history and was
impressed that NFL players Jack Maitland and Scott Perry graduated
from Williams,” said Kowalik.
Success could be John Kowalik's middle name. At Williams
he played on and was a captain of three sports, earned 11 varsity
letters, and was a member of the Gargoyle Society. Along with being
a standout performer on the defensive line, he was a strong
contributor in the shot put and threw the weight and the hammer.
Kowalik was successful before Williams, at Williams, and since
graduating. He was inducted into the New Jersey Scholastic Coaches
Hall of Fame (2003) and the Archbishop Williams H.S. [Braintree,
Mass.] Hall of Fame in 2008.
After one year in the business world, he entered secondary
education, accepting a teaching and coaching position at Delbarton
School in Morristown, N.J. He taught A.P. European history and
computer science and coached freshman football and track in 1984.
In 1987 he took over as head football coach and athletic
director, and later became dean and assistant headmaster. He went
138-29 (.826) in 16 years and became the youngest coach in New
Jersey history to reach 100 wins. Under Kowalik Delbarton
captured two state championships, posted five “Top 10”
state final rankings, and won nine conference championships.
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| John Kowalik '83
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Kowalik concluded 19 years at Delbarton in June, 2002 and is now
in his seventh year as headmaster of The Peck School, a
117-year-old K-8 independent school in Morristown, N.J. He's
always kept an eye out for Eph grads interested in pursuing careers
in teaching and coaching.
“Williams graduates make excellent teaching
candidates,” he said. “It begins with the person, a
strong liberal arts background, and sincerity about teaching,
Between Peck and Delbarton, I've been involved in hiring at
least 25 Williams graduates. In fact, I hired Matt Sigrist
'99 twice, at Delbarton (2001) and at Peck (2007)!
“In searching for coaches, I knew Williams football
players had been well-coached and typically had a thorough
understanding of the game – a great formula for success. At
Delbarton, I was fortunate to have several former Eph football
players such as Dan McCarthy, Jerry Rizzo, Jeff Boni, Chris Jepson,
Mike Hyde, Jamall Pollock, Mike Bajakian, Rik Dugan, Matt Sigrist,
and Junior Reid as assistants. In addition, I hired former Williams
assistant coach Brian Bowers as an assistant, and Brian took over
when I stepped down.”
Though Kowalik flourished at Williams it was not easy. His
Williams coaches were a great reason then and now for his success.
“My father died while I was a junior in high school and it
took some time for me, well into my years at Williams, to work
things through,” Kowalik recalled. “The tremendous
positive influence of the Williams football and track coaches (Bob
Odell, Dick Farley, Carmine Palladino, Erv Chambliss, and Walt
Cueman) set me on my path in life. Their example was significant to
my growth and their patience and guidance allowed me to make
mistakes, grow up, and mature during an important and not always
easy time in my life.
“They had no idea at the time but I absorbed every word.
They were straightforward, conscientious men with a positive
approach to each day. They were people-smart, high E.Q. [emotional
quotient] coaches who understood and worked well with college
student-athletes. On and off the field, they emphasized a blend of
physical and mental stamina, resilience, and preparation in life
that carried over to every aspect of my life.
“The personal qualities, humility, hard work, and
professionalism of coaches Odell and Farley as well as the entire
school environment at Williams were contagious. I had the pleasure
and good fortune of having Farley and Palladino as coaches for four
years in three sports. Their daily presence in my life was a
reminder on how to approach life's challenges and to do
things right.
“I feel very fortunate, blessed actually, to have attended
Williams. I have always loved Williams and owe much to the
college. I met my wife Carolyn '83 during my freshman
year. My work in education has it roots in the people who coached
and taught me at Williams and the education I received.
There's no question that I'm an educator because of
Williams College.”
Two wins in 1982 highlight Kowalik's football career in
the Purple Valley. Tufts, then the power in New England fell to the
Ephs 13-11 on their homecoming on the 100th anniversary of football
at Tufts. “It was a memorable victory for we hadn't
defeated Tufts in several years,” said Kowalik. “Early
the next morning, I left with Professor Sheafe Sattherwaite and our
Land Use Policy class for an overnight camping trip to the
Adirondacks to analyze the effects of Adirondack Park Agency policy
on development. Only at Williams!”
And then there was the last second win over Wesleyan 27-24.
“Wesleyan scored very late and we had little time to
answer,” said Kowalik. “On the sideline with the
defense I had a great view of the unlikely and controversial last
offensive play -- BJ Connolly's incredible touchdown pass to
Marc Hummon. Following the play, controversy ensued as Wesleyan
supporters alleged that offensive lineman Bernie Krausse had helped
BJ up from the ground after being sacked, effectively ending the
play. I remember Wesleyan head coach Bill MacDermott, believing BJ
was sacked, starting across the field to shake hands with coach
Odell. There were many incredible individual efforts in that play
and throughout. It seemed like a miracle that Marc Hummon got into
the end zone with defenders all over him.
“That game also marked the end of a
three-year battle I had with current Williams head coach and then
Wesleyan All-American offensive lineman Mike Whalen. Believe me, he
was that good!”
