Howard Washka
Born: 1931 in Lakewood, Ohio
Died: March 7, 1992 in Garland, Texas
Family: Wife: Mary (died, 2008). Daughters: Sandra Mueller, Marilyn Hanko. Three grandsons: Bill and Andrew Mueller; Alex Hanko.
Professional experience
Lorain County Community College
1964-84: Washka was the first physical education professor at LCCC. He was also the school’s first intramural director starting in 1966 and first athletic director starting in 1967 with seven varsity sports.
He was also the first chairman of the health, physical education and recreation department.
Highlights at LCCC
Instrumental in the development of LCCC cross country course including the famed Washka Mountain, the man-made hill on the course. Mount Washka was created from the dirt excavated from the network of tunnels developed during construction of LCCC.
Washka founded Lorain County Community College Cross Country Classic (now Jack Wilhelm) Classic in 1967.
He also founded the Elyria Northeast District/Regional High School Cross Country meet in 1969 and currently still continues. Black River and Hillsdale boys tied for the inaugural Class A regional championship at LCCC with 61 points each on Oct. 25, 1969.
The LCCC site has also been the venue for many conference meets over the years, including the Southwestern Conference meet since 1975.
During Washka’s tenure LCCC hosted the National AAU 10K Cross Country Championship, the Regional XII NJCAA Cross Country Championship. Washka also co-founded the Turnpike Athletic Conference in 1967.
Washka Memorial Scholarship Fund for physical education majors at LCCC has been established in his memory.
High school coaching
Amherst Steele High School
1959-67: varsity football coach. He had a coaching record 36 wins, 45lLosses
Elyria High School
1956-59: varsity football assistant
Military experience
United States Army
1953-55: Stationed at White Sands Missile Proving Ground, New Mexico
Education
1950: Amherst Steele High School
1953: Heidelberg University, bachelor’s degree
1966: Indiana University, masters degree
Class of 2016