DOVER—It is with great sadness that the New Jersey Athletic Conference learned of the unexpected passing of longtime Wesley College Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Mike Drass on May 14.
"The Wesley College family's heart is broken, and we are devastated by the loss of our long-time Athletic Director, Head Football Coach, educator and friend," said Wesley College President Robert E. Clark II. "No words can adequately describe how our Wesley College family feels, but our thoughts, prayers and our love are with Laurie, Molly and the entire Drass family,"
Drass. 57, served as the head football coach at Wesley for 26 years, guiding the Wolverines to a record of 229-61-1 while garnering 13 consecutive NCAA Tournament berths. Since becoming a member of the NJAC in 2015, Drass led Wesley to at least a share of the NJAC title in each of the program’s three seasons as an associate football member in the league.
“I know I speak for the entire NJAC membership when I say how devastated we are about the news of Mike’s passing,” said NJAC Commissioner Terry Small. “I spoke to him as recently as Friday and as always, he was upbeat and looking forward to both the summer and upcoming football season.
“I really can’t even fathom a Wesley College without Mike Drass,” Small said. “I had the privilege of being on campus the day that the Wesley football field was named for him and President Clark and his wife Ruth Ann hosted a wonderful celebratory reception at their home in Mike’s honor. It was a day filled with football, family and friends – the things that Mike really treasured in life. Today everyone in the NJAC lost a dear friend and a truly great coach and administrator.”
Drass began his football coaching career at North Penn High School in Blossburg, PA in 1983. Following two seasons as an assistant, he spent two years as the school’s head coach before accepting a coaching position at Mansfield University, where he is a member of the Mansfield University Athletic Hall of Fame.
At his alma mater, he coached under Tom Elsasser from 1986-88. In 1989, he was hired at Wesley as the defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator.
As a player, Drass was a three year starter and two-time All-PSAC selection as an offensive lineman and captain of the Mountaineers. In his senior year Drass was the only Mountie named to the All-PSAC 1st-team. Drass, originally from Glen Mills, PA, attended Penncrest High School where was inducted into the School District's Hall of Fame.
Details regarding funeral services are as follows:
On Saturday, May 19, starting at 11:00 AM, calling hours will be held at the Tolbert Funeral Home (1145 E. Lebanon Road, Dover, DE 19901). At 2:00 PM on Saturday, a public service will be held at Drass Field at Scott D. Miller Stadium (400 Clara Street, Dover, DE 19901). In case of imclement weather, the event will be moved to Wenworth Gymnasium on Wesley's main campus (120 N. State St., Dover, DE 19901) and that decision will be made by late Friday. Following the service, a reception will be held at Dulany Dining Hall on Wesley's main campus.