TOLEDO, Ohio – University of Toledo Varsity T Hall of Famer Don Kotnik passed away on Monday. He was 80.

Kotnik was one of the most important contributors to the continued success of the Rockets, first as a player and later as a coach. A 1966 UT graduate, Kotnik earned two letters in golf (1965-66). He played on teams that went 36-16-3, including the 1966 team that finished second in the MAC. He later coached the men's golf team for 17 years (1975-91). An all-around athlete, Kotnik was also a center, guard and middle linebacker on Rocket football teams from 1962-65 and was inducted into the Varsity T Hall of Fame in 1995.

A native of Barberton, Ohio, Kotnik earned many honors for his accomplishments, including induction into both the Barberton and Summit County Halls of Fame in 1982 and 1988. Kotnik became a PGA Master Professional in 1980 and was awarded the first Burt Silverman award, given to the person contributing the most to golf in Toledo. When he won the first of his six Horton Smith awards for service to professional golf and education, he became the first recipient from Northwestern Ohio since 1957.

In 1986, Kotnik represented the PGA of America on a goodwill tour. He was named the 1993 Golf Professional of the Year by the Professional Golfers' Association of America. One of the nation's most sought after instructors, Kotnik taught in over 40 U.S cities. He is also a member of the U.S.A Tommy Armour golf teaching staff and was an instructor at the 1990 PGA of America's teaching and coaching summit in Nashville, Tenn. 

Kotnik served as the PGA professional at the Toledo Country Club for over 40 years, where he nurtured countless players and inspired future generations of golfers. He established a first-rate caddy program at TCC where he mentored numerous young people to gain a college education through the Evans Scholarship Program. A co-founder of the Toledo Junior Golf Association in 1973, Don was dedicated to developing junior golfers, instilling discipline, sportsmanship, and a lifelong love for the game.

Over his career, Kotnik taught over 100 state, regional and city champions and was founder of the Northern Ohio PGA Assistants Championship. His induction into the National PGA Hall of Fame and the receipt of the Bob McNally Humanitarian Award further recognized the depth of his contributions to the game.

Kotnik is survived by his devoted wife, Rochelle (Saris), children Lisa, Amy, and Mike Don, and grandchildren Grace, Ben, Jackson, and Abby. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Don Kotnik Scholarship Fund for the UT Men's Golf Team to continue his tradition of support for education, or Hospice of Northwest Ohio, who assisted in his final days with respect and compassion.

Friends and family are invited to visit the Walker Funeral Home (5155 W. Sylvania Ave.) in Toledo on Sunday, Dec. 29 from 2:00-6:00 p.m. with a scripture service taking place at 6:00 p.m. A memorial Mass will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church at 6149 Hill Ave. in Toledo, on Monday, December 30 at 10:00 a.m.

Comments from those who knew Don Kotnik
"I only got to know Coach Kotnik since I've been at Toledo, but the stories so many of his players have shared make me feel like I've known him for decades.  I had the good fortune to speak with Coach just a couple of weeks ago. He directed the entire conversation towards Toledo and the Rockets.  He spoke about the memories, about his teams, and about our team now.  He even helped me formulate a plan for an upcoming practice round.  It was obvious he loved the game, and he loved all of his former players.
– Toledo head men's golf coach Jeff Roope

"Don was one of the guys that convinced me to get into the golf business. I was teaching school in Napoleon, Ohio, just down the road from Toledo. I went to work for Don, who was the head professional at Toledo Country Club and Greg Fish was his assistant that summer.  That's where it all started for me.  He was a man's man and loved life, golf, UT and was so good to his friends and appropriately called Coach.  That's what he was to his team and especially to me.  Taught me so much and was the first to give me the opportunity to enter the golf business. It's a sad day that we lost such a good friend to so many.
Former player Charlie Bowie (1970-72)

"A man of immense talent, dedication, and kindness, Don was more than a golf professional; he was a mentor, leader, and friend. His contributions to the game and his impact on countless players have left an indelible mark. May we carry his legacy forward and remember him with gratitude and admiration.
Former player John Jasinski (1980-82) and men's golf coach (1992-2001)

"When I think of Don my first thought is what a competitor he was and how he transferred his competitive spirit to his players. We often had our best results when the weather was bad because Don taught us not to complain about the bad conditions but to embrace the challenge and let the other teams' bad attitude about the weather affect their performance. If not for Don, it's highly unlikely I ever would have gotten my college degree. He was also a role model for me in my own 40-year career as a PGA Club Professional. He will be missed by many. Probably the best way to describe Don would be the old quote "A life well lived".
Former player Mel McIntyre (1974-77)

"Don Kotnik was a Pro's Pro. Tremendously respected. A Master pro of which there are not many PGA pros qualify. I enjoyed my golf and non-golf memories of him. One of the best."
- Former Rocket golfer Tad Moore (1961), world renowned club maker and Toledo golf legend

"Coach Kotnik influenced every player and Golf Professional he touched. He will be missed by all his players. It's a sad day for the Toledo Golf Program."
Former player and assistant coach Cliff Purtilo (1987-90)

"They don't come any better than him plus he was an A-plus humorous character. Not too many people have played college golf and also played center on the football team."
Former player Charley Senn (1961-63)

"I remember all these sayings from Coach Kotnik that stick with me: "Every paycheck coach said "Spend a little, save a little and give a little to your mother"; "If you don't take a shower in the morning, you ain't never gonna play for me again"; "The following players may now leave…if you can't make grades you can't play for me…"; "If you aren't 15 minutes early, you're late"; "If you need more than 15 balls to warm up you stink"; "Don't be a goose." (what he said when you were acting unprofessional); "Pards or Pardzie"; (he said it all the time. Pards was mostly said and meant to be friend but pardzie meant you were acting like a child or inappropriately); "He used to say to our staff around 3:00, "Boys load them up, I'm going to give you a drumming."
Former player Greg Smith (1989-02)

"He was a man's man. A tremendous teacher and one of my very best friends. One of the most respected PGA professionals ever to grace the game. He will be missed."
Former teammate Doug Spencer (1964-67)