Visitation is scheduled Sunday for retired Evanston Township High School wrestling coach Elias George Jr. at Donnelan Funeral Home in Skokie.
George died Wednesday at age 92.
ETHS Athletic Director Chris Livatino says George served as head wrestling coach from 1958 to 2000
He also served as assistant coach from 2000-2003 and coached football for many years including one year as head coach in 1987.
During his time at ETHS, George led his teams to eight top 10 finishes at the state finals, coached nine individual state champions and amassed a dual meet record of 614 wins, 158 losses and 25 ties which ranked third on the all-time coaching list in the nation when he retired.
Additionally, he served eight years on the U.S. Olympic Committee and was inducted to the Illinois Wrestling Hall of Fame and the ETHS Athletic Hall of Fame.
Livatino, who played football at ETHS while George was coaching the team, says, “While Coach George’s calling card was his tough exterior (he used to tell us stories about playing tackle football in the parking lots when he was a kid) and his grueling workouts (I still have nightmares), those that got to know Coach George personally knew him to be an extremely caring and selfless man who touched the lives of thousands of wrestlers, football players and PE students during his 45 years at ETHS.”
Visitation hours are from 2 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home, 10045 Skokie Blvd. in Skokie.
R.I.P. Coach Elias George 73017 Sunday
Larry Parker Class of 1979 Coach George was my assistant football under coach Mahoney in 1977 & 1978 football seasons, you will be always remember for pushing me to reach my full potential on the football field and in the classroom.
Great man who gave his all to
Great man who gave his all to ETHS. Had to wrestle him once as a freshman. It was like grappling with a grizzly. RIP coach.