Hall of Fame
Back To Hall of Fame
Back To Hall of Fame
Don Kotnik was undoubtedly one of the most important contributors to the continued success of the Rockets, first as a player and later as a coach. A 1966 graduate of UT, Kotnik earned two letters in golf (1965-66). He played on teams that went 36-16-3, including the 1966 team that finished second in the MAC. He later coached the team for 17 years (1975-91). An all-around athlete Kotnik was also a center, guard and middle linebacker on Rocket football teams from 1962-1965. A native of Barberton, he has earned many honors for his accomplishments, including induction into both the Barberton and Summit County Halls of Fame in 1982 and 1988. Kotnik became a PGA Master and Professional in 1980 and was awarded the first Burt Silverman award, given to the person contributing the most to golf in Toledo. When he won the first of his six Horton Smith awards for service to professional golf and education, he became the first recipient from Northwestern Ohio since 1957. In 1986, Kotnik represented the PGA of America on a goodwill tour. He was named the 1993 golf Professional of the Year by the Professional Golfers' Association of America. One of the nations's most sought after instructors, Kotnik taught in over 40 U.S cities. He is also a member of the U.S.A Tommy Armour golf teaching staff and was an instructor at the 1990 PGA of America's teaching and coaching summit in Nashville, Tennessee.
Back To Hall of Fame
