Drass’ death leaves stunning void at Wesley

Mike Drass, the longtime athletic director and football coach at Wesley College in Dover, Del., and a native of Glen Mills, died Monday. He was 57.

The school confirmed Drass’ passing through a statement on its athletic website. A cause of death was not announced.

“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,” Wesley College president Robert E. Clark II said in the statement. “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, a 1979 graduate of Penncrest High School, was one of the most successful coaches in Division III. He compiled a 229-61-1 record in 25 seasons as the head coach and led the Wolverines to the NCAA tournament 14 times including the last 13 years in a row. The Wolverines reached the national semifinals six times and were 29-13 in play under his

His 229 wins were second among active Division III coaches and 10th all-time. His .788 winning percentage ranks in the top 20 all time. Two of his former players, quarterback Joe Callahan and offensive lineman Matt Gono are currently on NFL rosters. Callahan signed with the Eagles last week and Gono signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent.

Under Drass’ direction, the Wolverines won the Atlantic Central Football Conference (ACFC) title nine times and won or shared the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) crown in each of the last three seasons.

Drass spent four years as an assistant coach before becoming the head coach in 1993. He was named Executive Director of Athletics in 2005. He had also previously coached at his alma mater, Mansfield University, and at North Penn High School.

Drass is survived by his wife, Laurie, and daughter, Molly Ann. Arrangements are pending. tournament tutelage.