Wisconsin Football Coaches Association

Inducted in 1996

1956: Graduate of Aquinas High School, La Crosse, 1961: B.S. Degree from University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with majors in English and Physical Education, 1970: M.S. in Education, Winona State University,

Jack Nockels attended Aquinas High School participating and lettering in football, basketball and baseball.

After graduating from college, Jack returned to Aquinas in 1961 to begin teaching and coaching. He has taught English, physical education and acted as guidance counselor. He coached golf, wrestling and football. Jack retired from coaching in 1991.

Serving as the varsity defensive coordinator, he helped Aquinas football teams make appearances in six WISAA state play-off series and three championship games. Aquinas won nine city championships while accumulating a 128-60-1 overall record.

Jack was the head varsity football coach his last year before retiring from coaching.

He was selected as the Western Wisconsin Coulee Region Coach of the Year in 1984, the only assistant coach ever to be so named. His defensive teams compiled the following records:

Fewest points allowed, season—6; Most shutouts, season—8; Fewest first downs allowed, season—35; Fewest rushing yards allowed, season—199, Fewest passing yards allowed, season—205, and Fewest net yards allowed, season—578.

Jack initiated the Aquinas wrestling program and served as a head coach and an assistant coach in that sport for eighteen years. He was appointed as the Director of Wrestling for the Wisconsin Independent State Athletic Association and helped inaugurate the Coulee Region Coaches Association. He has served as a wrestling high school and college official.
In 1991, Jack was selected to coach in the North-South Shrine Bowl Game.