Southwestern Michigan College remembers Scott Novak, ‘dean’ of local sports journalism
“Telling Scott that the Roadrunners were coming back will always be a highlight of my time here,” SMC President Dr. Joe Odenwald said.
Scott Novak, a fixture in southwestern Michigan sports journalism for over 40 years, died Thursday, October 23 at the age of 63. He was remembered with a moment of silence at Southwestern Michigan College’s final home volleyball game on Wednesday, October 29, a 3-1 victory against the Glen Oaks Vikings.
Novak began his career at SMC as sports editor of the student newspaper, The Southwester, in 1981. His love for the Roadrunners was evident, and he was particularly excited about the return of intercollegiate athletics after a 25-year hiatus. He covered SMC teams throughout his career, including the 1994 women’s basketball national champions and numerous “Steve’s Runs.”
“Telling Scott that the Roadrunners were coming back will always be a highlight of my time here,” SMC President Dr. Joe Odenwald said. “I knew he’d be overjoyed, and there was such a sense of returning to those glory days he covered so well.”
Novak’s work went beyond SMC athletics. He covered a variety of local sports, including golf, men’s basketball, and volleyball. He also wrote straight news and even photographed stage productions. His passion for local sports was evident in his dedication to covering events, regardless of the team’s success. He became an honorary member of several local fan clubs, including his hometown Chieftains, the Bobcats, Bucks, Vikings, Rangers, and Eddies.
Novak’s talent earned him and Leader Publications’ newspapers numerous awards from organizations like the Michigan Press Association, Michigan High School Athletic Association, the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan, and the Associated Press. The Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan Hall of Honor inducted him in 2022.
A service celebrating Scott’s life will be held on Saturday, November 2, at First United Methodist Church, 326 N. Lowe St., Dowagiac. Visitation will begin at noon, with the service following at 4 p.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to the donor’s local sports organization.
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