The 2019 football season is the 150^th anniversary of college football. Here at MiamiRedHawks.com, we will honor some of the all-time greats to play for Miami University as well as those that have made an impact on the field since their graduation. We caught up with Joe Novak to hear about the memories he made while wearing the Red and White.

How would you explain your time at Miami?
Formative. I went in as a young, naïve 18-year-old and came out a young man ready to go out and find my place in the world. I met my wife, made lasting friendships with my teammates, was greatly influenced by coaches, administrators, and professors I was exposed to during my time at Miami. It was an experience that I hope others have had during their college years.

How did Miami help you to prepare for life outside of football?
At Miami I learned to be goal driven, responsible, and hard working as well as organized. Being a student-athlete meant I had to do a good job of time management? All of these qualities carry over to one's everyday life.

What was your favorite moment on the playing field at Miami and why?
There were many and they went by so quickly, but I would say that beating Indiana in 1966 was the most memorable. It was my senior year, and beating a Big Ten team in their stadium was a special day.

What advice would you give a student-athlete at Miami to help them achieve their goals?
There is an old saying: "Plan your work and work your plan." Have goals and never sell yourself short. You must be persistent. We all fail, more than we want, but if something is really important, you keep moving forward. Don't fear failure; let it be a motivator for you.

Did you have a favorite teammate in your time at Miami? What made him special?
I had about 12 guys in my class that were with me through my years at Miami. They were all special to me, and we stay in touch and still get together every year in Oxford. Ernie Kellerman was an upperclassman when I arrived at Miami. I really admired him because he was talented, humble, hard-working, and very personable. He was a great leader and a first-class person.

What was your favorite place to eat in Oxford?
We all spent a lot of time at Bang's food truck, near our dorm. A Bangburger and a coke was a special nighttime treat. Steak sandwiches at the Purity and Mac & Joe's were always great for a night on the town.

Funniest moment in your time at Miami?
Too many to consider. Just all the typical things that college kids go through.      

Was there someone, maybe a professor or advisor, who had a major impact on your time at Miami?
 Dr. Richard Nelson was my advisor during my time at Miami, and I had some PE classes with him. He was a great teacher who was always willing to spend time with me, which was very important to my success as a student.
 
Tell us about your life now. What are you doing? Any major accomplishment we should be aware of?
I am about to enter my 11^th year of retirement and am actively working on my Bucket List, which includes travel, reading, and spending time with my children and grandchildren. My wife and I have done extensive traveling in Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as the United States. It has been a wonderful experience. I have read a large variety of books, which I didn't have time for when I was coaching. Currently I am a member of the NCAA Committee on Infractions, and that keeps me involved with the NCAA and gives me the chance to give back to a group that had a big influence on me professionally.

Is there anything else you would like us (or others) to know about you?
Just how proud my wife of 50 years and I are to be a Miami Merger. I still get excited when I return to campus. Two of the best days of my life were when I was inducted into the Miami Athletics Hall of Fame and later into the Cradle of Coaches. To be chosen for those two honors recognizing my college football days and my professional accomplishments was a real highlight in my life.

What makes Miami so special?
 The closeness and caring of the Miami people is unique and special. Everyone I know who attended Miami has a special feeling and love for their alma mater and what it stands for. I could not have made a better choice of school to attend and will be forever grateful for what Miami University has meant to me.