Tribute to a Local Sports Legend in Dowagiac

DOWAGIAC – The upcoming high school basketball season will feel different for many in the local community. One notable absence will be at the media table, where Scott Novak, the beloved sports editor for Leader Publications, used to sit. After a lengthy illness, Novak passed away on October 23 at the age of 63. His legacy, however, continues to resonate within the community he served for over four decades.

Novak was a significant figure in Cass and Berrien counties, earning respect and admiration not just for his work but for the relationships he built with coaches, athletes, and parents alike. Throughout his career, he was dedicated to ensuring every athlete received recognition for their efforts. Novak made it a point to see that each student was mentioned in the sports pages, capturing the spirit of local sports culture.

He covered high school sports extensively, tracking teams from schools such as Cassopolis, Edwardsburg, and the Niles area. His commitment to showcasing the achievements of student-athletes also extended to Little League, adult recreational sports, and even professional motocross events. In doing so, he assembled a sports section that included in-depth statistics and box scores, adding layers of detail that fans appreciated.

Novak was not one to seek personal accolades; instead, he was driven by a passion for sports and a desire to uplift those around him. His impact was deeply felt during Dowagiac’s historic football championship in 1990 and the impressive journeys of other teams, such as the 2011 boys basketball semifinalists. Fellow journalists and community members fondly recalled his infectious happiness during these moments.

As a tribute to Novak, the Dowagiac Athletic Department will keep his seat empty at home basketball games throughout the season, representing his lasting influence on local sports. His memory also shines through various gestures from the community, including memorials at sporting events and heartfelt conversations shared among students and coaches who felt his presence.

Scott Novak leaves behind a rich legacy of sportsmanship, friendship, and community engagement. He not only reported on the games but celebrated local culture and the passion of the athletes he covered. His absence will be profoundly felt, but his spirit will forever remain part of the fabric of high school sports in the Dowagiac area.