Farragut Career Academy IB World School Renaming Gymnasium After Former Teacher/Basketball Coach William “Wolf” Nelson
26 April 2024
District officials, community members, school alumni, and former players came together to celebrate “Coach Wolf”
CHICAGO— Farragut Career Academy IB World School Friday honored a beloved coach and teacher with a ceremony to name its gym the “William “Wolf” Nelson Gymnasium.” Nelson, a Farragut alumnus, has taught math for 33 years and was the varsity and junior varsity boys’ basketball coach for 40 years, respectively. He retired following the 2022-23 school year.
District officials, elected officials, school alumni, former players, and community members convened Friday night to celebrate and honor Nelson, who coached Chicago Public League legends such as Basketball Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett, Ronnie Fields, Michael Dunigan, and Michael Wright.
Nelson was honored earlier this year at the Chicago Public League Basketball Championships at Credit Union 1 Arena, honoring his decades-long commitment to coaching and mentoring student-athletes.
“Coach Nelson embodies the true spirit of a Chicago Public Schools educator. He’s dedicated most of his life to teaching and coaching our students,” said CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. “Our District is extremely fortunate to have him for as long as we did. Congratulations Coach Wolf on a job well done.”
Friday’s guests watched as Coach Nelson, affectionately known as “Coach Wolf,” became the recipient of several honors, some of which were a complete surprise to him.
Farragut Principal Virag Nanavati unveiled a new sign reading “William “Wolf” Nelson Gymnasium” situated above the gym doors as well as a mural featuring Coach Wolf within the gymnasium. Alderperson Michael D. Rodriguez presented a resolution honoring Coach Nelson for his work within the 22nd ward, and former players and assistant coaches, including Emmanuel Little, Farragut’s current varsity boys basketball coach and school alumnus, offered a series of speeches to honor the beloved coach. Finally, the school presented a newly created “Coach Wolf Scholarship for Academic Achievement.” The scholarship recipients – two basketball players with the highest overall grade point average – will receive academic scholarships.
“It is incredible that Wolf’s legacy will continue to shape the next generation of Farragut students and student-athletes through this honor,” said David Rosengard, Executive Director of Chicago Public Schools Sports Administration. “Wolf’s impact on thousands of student-athletes' lives is unparalleled and we are grateful for his unwavering commitment to CPS students and communities over the last 40-plus years.”
Nelson, the longest-tenured coach in school history, compiled a 541-307 record over 33 seasons leading the boys varsity team. His teams won eight conference championships (including three undefeated seasons), a Chicago Public League title (1995), two super-sectional championships and three Elite Eight finishes. Nelson, a member of the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA), Chicago Public League Basketball Coaches Association (CPLBCA) and Chicago Public League Basketball Coaches Committee, coached 21 All-Public League players, 11 All-Staters, three McDonald’s All-Americans and two back-to-back Illinois Mr.Basketball recipients (Garnett and Fields).
“Coach Wolf is possibly the most revered member of our school community. We’re completely elated that Farragut was able to recognize him for his accomplishments,” said Nanavati. “Coach Wolf will be missed, but his legacy will live on.”
About Chicago Public Schools
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is dedicated to providing a high-quality education to all students, beginning with the District’s free full-day preschool programming for four-year-old scholars and continuing through neighborhood, magnet and selective-enrollment elementary schools that provide a rigorous K-8 education with schools that specialize in the fine arts, world language and culture, dual language, STEM, International Baccalaureate (IB), classical programs, and more. The rising District-wide freshmen-on-track and high school graduation rates reflect the hard work of the CPS community, including families, staff, and students across 635 schools. CPS celebrates the diversity of its more than 323,000 students who cite 182 home languages. Learn more about CPS at www.cps.edu and connect with CPS on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.