Dec. 6, 2004

LAS VEGAS - The "Founding Father" of UNLV Athletics, Michael "Chub" Drakulich passed away on Saturday at the age of 80.

Drakulich, UNLV's first athletics director, was also the first basketball and baseball coach for the Southern Regional Division of the University of Nevada, which was the original name of what later was known as Nevada Southern University and what is now UNLV. Under Drakulich, the foundation was built for what is now the UNLV Athletics Department.

Drakulich's career of service at UNLV began in 1958 and he began from scratch the first university athletic program - basketball - then added five others (baseball, cross country, track, golf and football) before stepping down as athletics director in 1973.

He served as head basketball coach, head baseball coach and athletics director all at the same time before stepping down from the basketball duties for the 1963-64 season.

After leaving the AD post, he continued on at UNLV as the school's first full-time golf coach and also was an instructor in the physical education department. He was head golf coach through 1987 and worked under the title of Golf Coach Emeritus in 1988 and 1989.

Drakulich was inducted into the UNLV Athletics Hall of Fame as part of its first class in 1987.

Services are scheduled for Sat., Dec. 11 at 11 am at Canyon Ridge Christian Church at 6200 Lone Mountain Road.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to a scholarship fund that has been set up in his name. For information or to donate, please contact the Rebel Athletic Fund at 702-895-1533.