Mike Basrak, the son of Yugoslavian immigrants, was born in Bellaire, Ohio on November 23, 1912. The first indication of Mike’s football prowess came when he was named most valuable player on the Bellaire High School team as a senior. After graduating from high school, he went to work in the coal mines with his father. This wasn’t exactly to Mike’s liking and in September of 1933, he enrolled at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. As a Captain and MVP of his 1936 football team, Mike led the Dukes to their finest season, including a resounding upset of the University of Pittsburgh who was at that time, the #1 team in the country. They also defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the Orange Bowl game on New Year’s Day.

Mike went on to be named to two All-America teams and was later drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL. His pro career was unfortunately cut short by a knee injury suffered during his 2nd season with the Steelers. With his playing days ended, Mike turned to coaching but not before his marriage to Emma Toth in August 1939. They were blessed with the birth of their son, Roger who went on to teach and coach football at Palatine High School.

Mike’s coaching career started at Altoona (Pa.) Catholic High School and from there traveled to Marietta (Ohio) High School, and DuPont Manual High School in Louisville, Kentucky. At DuPont Manual, Mike compiled a perfect 11-0 record and was named Kentucky Coach of the Year for 1948, in just his first season.

In 1954, Mike elected to move to Niles Township, and take on the challenge of building a winning program here Niles West High School. In 1961 when Niles West opened its doors, in just his first season, Mike led the Indians to the Suburban League title game. In 1971, he led the Indians to a record of 8-0-1 and the Central Suburban title. He closed his coaching career with another winning season in 1973, finishing with an impressive victory over Niles North. Mike’s career record at Niles West stands at 71 wins, 34 losses and one tie.

Mike Basrak departed from this life on December 18, 1973. Later, the Niles West football stadium was named “Mike Basrak Stadium” in honor of Mike and his coaching accomplishments while the coach for Niles West.