Established on 12.08.2021 by Brent Reichert '79
Robert “Bob” James Nick graduated from Princeton (Minn.) High School in 1961. He was a gifted three-sport athlete: those sports being football, basketball, and baseball. In 2007, he was inducted into the Princeton High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
Bob attended Concordia College from 1961-1965. During his collegiate career, he enjoyed and excelled in sports. He was the quarterback of the 1964 football team that became national champions. That year he was one of three Cobbers named to the MIAC All-Conference football team, and he was also named MVP of the MIAC conference. His teammates voted him captain of the 1964-65 basketball team. When spring came, Bob was the catcher for the Cobber baseball team. Although Bob appreciated the accolades, the lifelong friendships of teammates were most valuable to him.
In 1965, Bob graduated from Concordia with a double major in biology and physical education. That summer, he was invited to football training camp with what was then the Baltimore Colts. He didn't make the team, but he did make enough money to buy a speedboat for the family cabin and make friends with Johnny Unitas!
Bob then returned to Concordia to teach biology lab classes, become an assistant coach in football and basketball, and receive his master's and specialist degrees (from a nearby university). During this time, Bob also started a thirty-year dedication as a high school official for basketball and football in both Minnesota and North Dakota. He was a referee for the championship games in both states. He wore the "white hat" of the football crew. They called him captain. Many of them still do and remain close friends.
Eventually, he would become part of the physical education department, teaching classes, being the football team's offensive coordinator, the assistant basketball coach, head tennis coach, and the Assistant Athletic Director. The 1976 tennis team won the MIAC Tournament, finished runner-up at the NAIA District Tournament, and achieved a Top Ten finish at the NAIA National Tournament. As a result, Bob was chosen the MIAC tennis coach of the year.
In 2006, Bob was inducted into the Concordia Athletic Hall of Fame as an athlete and coach. Bob was literally part of a Cobber family: his father, Robert L. Nick '39 (captain of his football team); wife, Connie '68; son and daughter-in-law, Rob '99 and Kari '02 Nick; daughter, Alison Nick '02; sister, Linda Nick '69; brother and sister-in-law, Bruce '75 and Christine '77 Nick, and their two daughters, Sarah '12 and Laura '10.
In 2009, he received the MIAC Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual from the MIAC for "individuals who have made significant contributions to their institution and to the conference."
Bob is always pleased when a former player, or as he would say, "that kid that played for us," recognizes him and starts a conversation.
In 2009, Coach Bob retired after forty-three years of service to the college that was so very special to him.
Bob and Connie now enjoy time with friends and family at their lake home during the summer and during holidays. Family includes three grandsons Parker, Jamison, and Connor.
The purpose of this endowed scholarship is to honor the work, accomplishments, and coaching career of Robert "Bob" Nick '65 and to provide encouragement to students who desire a Concordia education. The Coach Bob Nick '65 Endowed Scholarship is awarded by the Office of Financial Aid to students of any class majoring in physical education, health, health education, exercise science, or planning for a career in education that includes coaching.