Leo V. Novak (2005) - Hall of Fame

Leo V. Novak

Induction:
2005

As Army's all-time coaching victories leader in both men's basketball and outdoor track and field, Leo Novak compiled an overall record of 326-115-1 (.739) during his quarter-century tenure at the Academy. In a combined 68 competitive seasons, spanning four sports, only three Novak-led Army squads suffered through a losing campaign.

Novak guided men's basketball from 1927-1939 (crafting a record of 126-61), outdoor track from 1925-1949 (96-24) and cross country from 1928-1949 (93-28). In addition, he was the driving force behind the creation of Army's indoor track and field program, directing the team to an 11-2 mark during the initial eight years of its existence (1942-49).

Under his tutelage, Army teams captured nine major indoor and outdoor track championships, including three IC4A titles and six Heptagonal crowns. In cross country, his teams won IC4A titles on three occasions. In addition, two cadets established world records while more than 50 athletes won Eastern and NCAA crowns.