Homecoming Honoree: Eddie Wolski

A Coahoma native, Wolski played high school football for the legendary Spike Dykes. It was Dykes who recommended him to Coach Max Bumgardner at what was then Angelo State College.

“I went down to Angelo State and I liked it, liked the guys, and it fit me well,” Wolski said. “So I stayed there, and good things happened to me.”

Besides earning his bachelor’s degree in physical education, Wolski met and married his wife, Diala, and they had the first of their three kids while they were both students. Even a shoulder injury that ended his Rams playing career turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

“Coach Bum and the others let me coach,” Wolski said. “I helped as a manager and in lots of other ways, and that was a real learning experience. They also got me an athletics dorm director job in Rosemont Hall, dealing with kids the same age I was. That taught me how to prepare myself for school and coaching kids. So it was a great experience.”

Wolski parlayed that experience into a successful 20-year high school coaching career highlighted by a trip to the football state championship game with Midland Lee in 1983. He then spent 15 years as assistant executive vice president of the Texas High School Coaches Association, and has served the last 15 years as special assistant to the director of the University Interscholastic League (UIL).

“I’ve been inducted into halls of honor, but this is right there at the top.”

For his career accomplishments and tremendous impact on Texas high school athletics, the ASU Alumni Association has named Wolski its Golden Ex of the Year. It was an announcement that took him completely by surprise.

“Now that was exciting!” Wolski said. “Why in the world would they pick me? I’ve been inducted into halls of honor, but this is right there at the top. This is representing Angelo State University, so I’m very proud.”

“ASU means a lot to a lot of people,” he added. “A lot of great coaches came out of ASU, and I’m just proud that I graduated from there.”