For over two decades, the hallways of Niles West High School have been lucky enough to be walked on by our very own Ironman. Not the playboy billionaire Tony Stark, but a more believable, tangible and admirable version.

From his days as a student here, Jason Macejak has been a pillar in the Niles West community. Beyond the incredible feat of running 26.2 miles, biking 112 miles, and swimming 2.6 miles in an Ironman race, he was the two-year Varsity Swim Team captain, MVP and the Rich Szymanski Award winner. Still, his accolades reach far beyond his athletic accomplishments. Not only was Macejak a monster in the pool, but a marvelous motivator and leader on the deck and in the classroom. After attending Carthage University, he could not stay away from home, so Macejak headed up the girls’ Swimming program at his alma mater, Niles West. For 19 years he led the girl’s teams to victory after victory, but to the dismay of many, he stepped down of his own accord. Ever since, Macejak has continued to mold young athletes as the boy’s JV Swim coach, aiding swimmers of all ages and skills, from freshmen to seniors, to reach their goals in the pool.

His influence from the pool deck is evident, but beyond that, Macejak has had an incredible influence on generations of young people; teaching them far more than shooting your hands in the breaststroke or looking at the lane line when breathing.

“Coach Macejak also emphasized the importance of resilience, helping me push through tough times. Thanks to him, I learned that perseverance and a positive mindset are crucial for growth, both in swimming and in life,” alumn and former swimmer, Erik Neumayer said.

The Carthage College graduate leaves everything out in the pool with his teams, including his dry, sarcastic sense of humor and he has given so much to the school and his community, but he’s not finished. Over the summer, Macejak dived into a totally new pool by joining the Girl’s Cross Country program as an assistant JV coach. Although he has never coached Cross Country before, the lifelong athlete and hard worker has never stepped away from a challenge, and he does not plan on starting now. With no experience in coaching cross country, Macejak has some work ahead of him, but his colleagues and mentees feel that something great is brewing.

“He comes with a very broad fitness background, and as a former head coach, he knows what it takes to run a program, so he can see problems before they happen and address them,” head Cross Country coach Anne Heselton said.

His experience and skill are not the only things that qualify him for this position. His years as a head coach, specifically on the girl’s side, gives him a specific ability to connect and build relationships with athletes.

“Coach Macejak has been a great addition to our team and he has adapted to the way we work as a program well.[…] He’s very understanding and listens to what we want as a team so he can help meet our needs at practice and in meets. I’m sure I can speak for all of our team when I say that it’s great training with him every day,” senior cross country captain Lena Schultz said.

It is safe to say that few people are a better fit for this position. In a world that bombards adolescents with negativity and stress, nothing is more reassuring than to know that someone truly cares for what they do and who they do it for. Macejak taking on this new position exemplifies the idea that once one enters Niles West as a student, it always has a part in your soul. Once a wolf, always a wolf.

The Wolves welcome Coach Macejak to their team and are excited to run a good season with him by their side. Best of luck in this new endeavor.