Bob Berezowitz has received the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Special Recognition Award. Berezowitz made his mark as an athlete, assistant coach, head coach, and teacher over five decades at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
After serving as an assistant coach, Berezowitz became the Warhawks’ head football coach in 1985. Over the course of 22 years he compiled a 158-73-4 record (.680 winning percentage) that included eight WIAC titles (1987, ‘88, ‘90, ‘94, ‘97, ‘98, ‘05, ‘06) and NCAA Division III playoff berths five times (1988, ‘90, ‘94, ‘05, ‘06). He guided UW-W into its first two Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl appearances, and earned national runner-up honors in 2005 and 2006.
Widely respected in the coaching fraternity, Berezowitz was named WIAC Football Coach of the Year six times (1988, ‘90, ‘94, ‘97, ‘05, ‘06). He served on several national coaching committees, including national ranking and All-America selection groups.
He has also been a contributor to many activities in the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association, currently serving on the board of directors. He was elected to the WFCA Hall of Fame in 1998.
Berezowitz first made his mark in the WIAC as an athlete, earning All-America honors in baseball in 1965, leading the team to the NAIA World Series, and in football, where he quarterbacked the Warhawks to the 1966 NAIA championship game.
Berezowitz also served UW-Whitewater as an instructor in the department of health, physical education, recreation and coaching.
Thanks to Berezowitz’s leadership, in both design and fundraising, UW-W opened a student athlete center in 2004. The facility, containing offices and meeting rooms for athletics and adjacent to Perkins Stadium, was renamed for Berezowitz in 2012.
Berezowitz is the 11th person representing UW-Whitewater to receive the WIAC Special Recognition Award.
Previous honorees include Mary Ann Riccio 1986, Martha van Steenderen 1987, Corrine Clark 1990, James Connor 1991, H. Gaylon Greenhill 1999, Dianne Jones 1999, Hugo Tscharnack 2001, David Vander Meulen 2002, Jack Miller 2005, and David Kachel 2011. Willie Myers was recognized twice, in 1999 and 2004.
“It is a great honor to receive this award,” Berezowitz said. “Being recognized for my accomplishments is not only an honor to me, but to UW-Whitewater as well.”
