Celebration of Famed SBHS Coach Planned

After touching the lives of countless students during a career that spanned three decades at South Brunswick High School, those who knew him best will honor teacher and coach next month with a special memorial event.

Nyitrai, who died of cancer on July 6 at the age of 82, began working as a physical education teacher at South Brunswick High School in 1962. He founded the SBHS wrestling team in 1963 and the soccer team in 1965. He was also a member of the inaugural class of the SBHS Sports Hall of Fame (1999) and is a member of N.J.S.I.A.A. Coaches' Hall of Fame. 

"It's really hard to summarize what an extraordinary person he was. Laszlo was a multi-faceted person, intellectually brilliant, very creative and he projected intensity, integrity and so many other values you associate with an iconic leader," said James Zinsmeister, a former soccer player and wrestler for Nyitrai, who is also the school's sports historian and a co-founder of the SBHS Sports Hall of Fame "There are literally hundreds of people of a certain age who consider Laszlo to be one of their greatest influences. We're talking about 35 years or so with hundreds of boys who would say Mr. Nyitrai. It's extraordinary to have so many people focus on one individual as their primary influence, and that says it all."

The event celebrating Nyitrai's life will be held on Sept. 8 at 11 a.m. in the auditorium at South Brunswick High School.

Shortly after noon, attendees will head to the SBHS blue cafeteria for food and refreshments, which will be catered by Pierre's.  will preside over the ceremony. There will also be a number of speakers on hand to make brief presentations, in addition to a slideshow and a memorabilia table. 

Nyitrai amassed a long record of success during his career at SBHS.

In soccer, Nyitrai compiled a career record of 200-104-27, winning Division Championships in 1977, 1979, 1980, 1982, and 1983. In wrestling, he had a career record of 153-53-3, with Delaware Valley League Championships in 1974 and 1975 and Bicentennial Athletic Conference Division Championships in 1980 and 1981.

Former students and colleagues remembered Nyitrai fondly in the about his life.

Former Edison High School Wrestling Coach Ken Pagach wrote:

The consummate, unflappable, and professional Gentleman Coach. Laszlo always presented an image of total respect for all coaches, wrestlers, and the sport itself. He was unique! A true Icon for Middlesex County Wrestling! 

Former colleague Marlene Huschke wrote:

I taught with Laz for over 20 years. He was indeed a force to be reckoned with! His teams respected him and so did his students. As far as his fellow PE teachers, we all admired what he overcame to become the teacher, coach and person he was. I knew his wife Nancy and his children Amy and "little Laz" and I know how much he loved them and they him. I still think about him today and remember his many words of wisdom. Rest in Peace Laz and all my sincere condolences to Nancy and the "kids".

Former student Jeff Powers wrote:

Although I only wrestled my Freshmen and Junior years and wrestled just 2 Varsity bouts, just being around Coach Nyitrai everyday was an experience that would last a lifetime...the inspiring intensity with which he taught gave you confidence that you could apply in any arena. Just ask any of his former students. All of them have a Nyitrai story and most could do a pretty fair imitation of some of his analogies. On any given Friday afternoon wrestling practices we were instructed to, "Take your Grandmother to the movies this weekend you silly monkeys!" Why is it that we remember our coach so vividly? Because we knew deep down he cared about us. Rest In Peace Coach...

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