Temple University Athletics
Nick Plack: A True Hall of Famer
9.21.18 | Men's Cross Country, Women's Cross Country
As John C. Maxwell once said, "one of the greatest values of mentors is the ability to see ahead what others cannot see, and to help them navigate a course to their destination."
To many, a mentor is someone to rely on. Someone to look towards for advice, confidently knowing they have your best interests in favor. Someone who leads to set an example that others aspire to follow.
While there are countless people who serve as role models around the world, the cross country and track and field teams at Temple University are particularly fortunate to share one very honorable mentor: Nick Plack.
Plack currently serves as the Senior Academic Athletic Advisor for women's indoor and outdoor track and field, men's and women's cross country, men's golf, men's and women's tennis and volleyball at Temple University. Joining the rest of the Resnick Academic Support Center staff at Temple, he strives every day to provide superior academic, personal and professional guidance to all Temple student-athletes. While a critical part of Plack's role at Temple is to assist in class scheduling and to serve as a backbone for academic support, he exceeds expectations to be more than an advisor to all student-athletes and coaches who work with him.
"Nick is an extremely integral part of our program, day in and day out," explained head men's and women's cross country coach, James Snyder. "From the role he plays in scheduling classes for our student-athletes to serving as a life mentor and an advisor, he wears a number of different hats for many teams here at Temple. Nick is frankly one of the closest followers of our program, and we are fortunate to have him as our number one fan."
Plack's academic support propelled the women's cross country team to win the Owl Trophy for top Team GPA in 2017 with an aggregate GPA of 3.54. He also played a pivotal role in the men's cross country team earning the annual Owl Cup title, a prestigious award given to the team that best exemplified initiatives set forth by the NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills program, such as student-athletes supporting other student-athletes, excelling in and out of the classroom and volunteerism.
Due to his behind the scenes role as such a major supporter of the cross country and track and field programs at Temple, it comes as no surprise that Snyder caught word of a new honor for Plack to add to his humble list: Hall of Famer.
On Friday, Sept. 21, Plack will be inducted into the Manheim Township High School Hall of Fame for his prestigious high school and collegiate track and field accolades. The presentation of this high honor came as no shock to many within the Temple cross country and track and field family, as the student-athletes view Plack as nothing short of greatness.
"Nick is such an incredible mentor and has had such a positive impact on my life in general, I am not surprised at all that people want to recognize him for his amazing accomplishments," exclaimed senior Ashton Dunkley, a cross country runner who felt an immediate impact from Plack as soon as they met.
"As a freshmen, I would go to his office for mandatory academic meetings as he helped me get acclimated to college-life. Those meetings quickly transitioned into me seeking life advice from one of my greatest mentors. I realized he would drop everything just to make a phone call and help resolve any issues I may be having. It has been so nice to have someone in my corner that I know is always rooting for me, on and off of the course."
Dunkley is one of Temple's most reputable student-athletes, recently earning the title of Temple's Female Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2017 after an incredible academic performance. She also earned a spot on the Trustee Ten for having one of the top 10 highest GPA's among all Temple student-athletes, and was a finalist for the Truman Scholarship last year. She now serves as a Teaching Assistant for one of Plack's classes, and has been a tutor at the Resnick Center since her sophomore year.
"Nick has really helped me start to pursue my long-term dream of becoming a professor. When I work as a TA in his classes, he trusts me to play a large role in educating the students. He was also the one that suggested I become a tutor as the Resnick Center, helping me find my niche in helping others with their schoolwork."
While Plack works with a gamut of teams at Temple, there is a certain sense a familiarity when it comes to the cross country and track and field student-athletes.
From 1994-97, Plack totaled six varsity letters in basketball and track and field at Manheim Township racking up countless wins along the way. He was named to the PIAA All-State First Team after his outstanding accomplishments his senior year. Some of these feats came at meets such as the PIAA Championships (high jump runner-up, seventh in triple jump), District 3A Championships (high jump champion, third in triple jump, seventh in 300 hurdles), and L-L League Championships (high jump champion, third in triple jump, third in 300 hurdles, fifth in 110 hurdles). He led his team to a second place finish at the District 3A Championship meet and won multiple individual titles at invitationals throughout the season. Plack led the Manheim Township squad in total points scored, was named to the PIAA All-State First Team and earned the title of "Mr. Blue Streak", awarded to the top male athlete of the year.
By the end of his illustrious career, Plack held school records in high jump (6-9), triple jump (45'11 ½"), shuttle hurdle relay, and the 4x200 relay. He also finished as the third fastest 300 hurdler in school history, and the eighth fastest in the 110 hurdles.
Following high school, Plack went on to earn four varsity letters as a member of the Penn State University Track and Field team from 1997-01. He posted many accomplishments in his time as a Nittany Lion, such as scoring at the Big Ten Championships in both high and triple jump, helping the team earn a third place finish at the Big Ten outdoor championship meet in 2001. He also was named to the All-Academic squad for the Big Ten his sophomore, junior and senior years, going on to be one of only two student-athletes to earn a graduate scholarship in 2001. At the time of graduation, Plack posted the fifth highest jump in all of Penn State history, reaching a height of 7'3/4".
When Snyder caught word about Plack's Hall of Fame induction, he wanted to additionally honor him for all he does for the student-athletes at Temple. "I have loved working with Nick the last few years, and it is so important that we thank him for the continuous positive impact he has on the cross country and track and field teams at Temple. He takes an incredible interest in their lives outside of athletics and academics, pinning him as someone that the men and women of our program really look up to and trust."
Plack came to Temple 13 years ago after receiving his bachelor's degree in human development and family studies from Penn State. There, he took on a graduate assistantship at Morgan Academic Support Center for Student-Athletes, where he earned a Master of Education in higher education and administration. Prior to Temple, he also worked at SMU where he oversaw women's basketball, football and volleyball teams.
Since coming to Temple, he has helped countless student-athletes boast outstanding success in the classroom. Additionally, he has connected many student-athletes with employment opportunities and helped with the job and internship search, encouraging student-athletes to step out of their comfort zones and try something new. Take the experiences of senior Tyji Mays for example, who considers Plack a mentor and friend after his years with the men's cross country team.
"Nick Plack is nothing short of instrumental in making things as easy as possible for you as a student-athlete," Mays explained. "This summer, he helped me get a job as a counselor for a recreation center, where I spent about six weeks motivating children to be physically fit while helping them with creative endeavors. It was definitely a stray from my major and what I am familiar with, but Nick really motivated me to take the job in something that he knew I would love. He really cares for everyone, and it is so easy to tell that it is much more than a job to him."
After discussing with Plack his many roles and experiences as an academic advisor here at Temple, it is clear that what Mays spoke about his mentor really resonates well with who he is as a person: it truly is so much more than just a job to Plack.
"One of my favorite parts of my job working with these student-athletes is really helping them navigate college life," Plack remarked. "While this does include the freshman transition, I always want to help each student-athlete be a better, stronger and more confident person when they leave. I try to explain to them that everyone goes through trials, especially in a sport like cross country or track and field, where it feels like you are failing yourself. Having been through it, I love that I can be an extra outlet for support to overcome these hardships and turn them into lessons for growth."
Redshirt junior cross country runner Ben Evans is another example of Plack's commitment to the athletic and academic success of his many different teams.
"Not only is he helpful with the organization of school and classes, he also has unique connections outside in the workforce," explained Evans. "He has helped me discover internship opportunities that really fit what I am looking for, and has introduced me to the idea of attending graduate school. He is very committed to our success and progression as people in general, not just as student-athletes. His incredible appreciation for our sport helps us remain motivated to always try our hardest in every aspect of our lives."
Aside from personal and academic development, Plack has developed lasting friendships with many coaches and student-athletes at Temple. In fact, the cross country and track and field coaches are taking a trip to Lancaster on Friday to witness their biggest fan's Hall of Fame induction in person.
"To have the coaches in attendance truly means the world to me. Our relationship over the last few years has shown me why I love my job so much, and why I strive to always set a good example for the student-athletes I work with. I feel so fortunate to be a part of the Temple Athletics family, and cannot wait to see all that they accomplish this year in and out of the classroom."
As such a great mentor, it only seems fitting that Plack lends a word of advice to his student-athletes on the day of his Hall of Fame induction.
"Never stop competing. In and out of the classroom, compete with yourself and compete with those around you. Continue developing positive relationships with one another and motivating each other to be the best. There will be times when you may be down, but always remember that being a student-athlete is a process to be proud of, and how you overcome these hurdles is how you will eventually succeed."
Each person in this world has a different perspective of what a mentor truly is. While the definition may change with differing situations, one thing is well-known to the Temple Athletics community: the Owls are lucky to have a role model like Nick Plack.
Â
Â
To many, a mentor is someone to rely on. Someone to look towards for advice, confidently knowing they have your best interests in favor. Someone who leads to set an example that others aspire to follow.
While there are countless people who serve as role models around the world, the cross country and track and field teams at Temple University are particularly fortunate to share one very honorable mentor: Nick Plack.
Plack currently serves as the Senior Academic Athletic Advisor for women's indoor and outdoor track and field, men's and women's cross country, men's golf, men's and women's tennis and volleyball at Temple University. Joining the rest of the Resnick Academic Support Center staff at Temple, he strives every day to provide superior academic, personal and professional guidance to all Temple student-athletes. While a critical part of Plack's role at Temple is to assist in class scheduling and to serve as a backbone for academic support, he exceeds expectations to be more than an advisor to all student-athletes and coaches who work with him.
"Nick is an extremely integral part of our program, day in and day out," explained head men's and women's cross country coach, James Snyder. "From the role he plays in scheduling classes for our student-athletes to serving as a life mentor and an advisor, he wears a number of different hats for many teams here at Temple. Nick is frankly one of the closest followers of our program, and we are fortunate to have him as our number one fan."
Plack's academic support propelled the women's cross country team to win the Owl Trophy for top Team GPA in 2017 with an aggregate GPA of 3.54. He also played a pivotal role in the men's cross country team earning the annual Owl Cup title, a prestigious award given to the team that best exemplified initiatives set forth by the NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills program, such as student-athletes supporting other student-athletes, excelling in and out of the classroom and volunteerism.
Due to his behind the scenes role as such a major supporter of the cross country and track and field programs at Temple, it comes as no surprise that Snyder caught word of a new honor for Plack to add to his humble list: Hall of Famer.
On Friday, Sept. 21, Plack will be inducted into the Manheim Township High School Hall of Fame for his prestigious high school and collegiate track and field accolades. The presentation of this high honor came as no shock to many within the Temple cross country and track and field family, as the student-athletes view Plack as nothing short of greatness.
"Nick is such an incredible mentor and has had such a positive impact on my life in general, I am not surprised at all that people want to recognize him for his amazing accomplishments," exclaimed senior Ashton Dunkley, a cross country runner who felt an immediate impact from Plack as soon as they met.
"As a freshmen, I would go to his office for mandatory academic meetings as he helped me get acclimated to college-life. Those meetings quickly transitioned into me seeking life advice from one of my greatest mentors. I realized he would drop everything just to make a phone call and help resolve any issues I may be having. It has been so nice to have someone in my corner that I know is always rooting for me, on and off of the course."
Dunkley is one of Temple's most reputable student-athletes, recently earning the title of Temple's Female Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2017 after an incredible academic performance. She also earned a spot on the Trustee Ten for having one of the top 10 highest GPA's among all Temple student-athletes, and was a finalist for the Truman Scholarship last year. She now serves as a Teaching Assistant for one of Plack's classes, and has been a tutor at the Resnick Center since her sophomore year.
"Nick has really helped me start to pursue my long-term dream of becoming a professor. When I work as a TA in his classes, he trusts me to play a large role in educating the students. He was also the one that suggested I become a tutor as the Resnick Center, helping me find my niche in helping others with their schoolwork."
While Plack works with a gamut of teams at Temple, there is a certain sense a familiarity when it comes to the cross country and track and field student-athletes.
From 1994-97, Plack totaled six varsity letters in basketball and track and field at Manheim Township racking up countless wins along the way. He was named to the PIAA All-State First Team after his outstanding accomplishments his senior year. Some of these feats came at meets such as the PIAA Championships (high jump runner-up, seventh in triple jump), District 3A Championships (high jump champion, third in triple jump, seventh in 300 hurdles), and L-L League Championships (high jump champion, third in triple jump, third in 300 hurdles, fifth in 110 hurdles). He led his team to a second place finish at the District 3A Championship meet and won multiple individual titles at invitationals throughout the season. Plack led the Manheim Township squad in total points scored, was named to the PIAA All-State First Team and earned the title of "Mr. Blue Streak", awarded to the top male athlete of the year.
By the end of his illustrious career, Plack held school records in high jump (6-9), triple jump (45'11 ½"), shuttle hurdle relay, and the 4x200 relay. He also finished as the third fastest 300 hurdler in school history, and the eighth fastest in the 110 hurdles.
Following high school, Plack went on to earn four varsity letters as a member of the Penn State University Track and Field team from 1997-01. He posted many accomplishments in his time as a Nittany Lion, such as scoring at the Big Ten Championships in both high and triple jump, helping the team earn a third place finish at the Big Ten outdoor championship meet in 2001. He also was named to the All-Academic squad for the Big Ten his sophomore, junior and senior years, going on to be one of only two student-athletes to earn a graduate scholarship in 2001. At the time of graduation, Plack posted the fifth highest jump in all of Penn State history, reaching a height of 7'3/4".
When Snyder caught word about Plack's Hall of Fame induction, he wanted to additionally honor him for all he does for the student-athletes at Temple. "I have loved working with Nick the last few years, and it is so important that we thank him for the continuous positive impact he has on the cross country and track and field teams at Temple. He takes an incredible interest in their lives outside of athletics and academics, pinning him as someone that the men and women of our program really look up to and trust."
Plack came to Temple 13 years ago after receiving his bachelor's degree in human development and family studies from Penn State. There, he took on a graduate assistantship at Morgan Academic Support Center for Student-Athletes, where he earned a Master of Education in higher education and administration. Prior to Temple, he also worked at SMU where he oversaw women's basketball, football and volleyball teams.
Since coming to Temple, he has helped countless student-athletes boast outstanding success in the classroom. Additionally, he has connected many student-athletes with employment opportunities and helped with the job and internship search, encouraging student-athletes to step out of their comfort zones and try something new. Take the experiences of senior Tyji Mays for example, who considers Plack a mentor and friend after his years with the men's cross country team.
"Nick Plack is nothing short of instrumental in making things as easy as possible for you as a student-athlete," Mays explained. "This summer, he helped me get a job as a counselor for a recreation center, where I spent about six weeks motivating children to be physically fit while helping them with creative endeavors. It was definitely a stray from my major and what I am familiar with, but Nick really motivated me to take the job in something that he knew I would love. He really cares for everyone, and it is so easy to tell that it is much more than a job to him."
After discussing with Plack his many roles and experiences as an academic advisor here at Temple, it is clear that what Mays spoke about his mentor really resonates well with who he is as a person: it truly is so much more than just a job to Plack.
"One of my favorite parts of my job working with these student-athletes is really helping them navigate college life," Plack remarked. "While this does include the freshman transition, I always want to help each student-athlete be a better, stronger and more confident person when they leave. I try to explain to them that everyone goes through trials, especially in a sport like cross country or track and field, where it feels like you are failing yourself. Having been through it, I love that I can be an extra outlet for support to overcome these hardships and turn them into lessons for growth."
Redshirt junior cross country runner Ben Evans is another example of Plack's commitment to the athletic and academic success of his many different teams.
"Not only is he helpful with the organization of school and classes, he also has unique connections outside in the workforce," explained Evans. "He has helped me discover internship opportunities that really fit what I am looking for, and has introduced me to the idea of attending graduate school. He is very committed to our success and progression as people in general, not just as student-athletes. His incredible appreciation for our sport helps us remain motivated to always try our hardest in every aspect of our lives."
Aside from personal and academic development, Plack has developed lasting friendships with many coaches and student-athletes at Temple. In fact, the cross country and track and field coaches are taking a trip to Lancaster on Friday to witness their biggest fan's Hall of Fame induction in person.
"To have the coaches in attendance truly means the world to me. Our relationship over the last few years has shown me why I love my job so much, and why I strive to always set a good example for the student-athletes I work with. I feel so fortunate to be a part of the Temple Athletics family, and cannot wait to see all that they accomplish this year in and out of the classroom."
As such a great mentor, it only seems fitting that Plack lends a word of advice to his student-athletes on the day of his Hall of Fame induction.
"Never stop competing. In and out of the classroom, compete with yourself and compete with those around you. Continue developing positive relationships with one another and motivating each other to be the best. There will be times when you may be down, but always remember that being a student-athlete is a process to be proud of, and how you overcome these hurdles is how you will eventually succeed."
Each person in this world has a different perspective of what a mentor truly is. While the definition may change with differing situations, one thing is well-known to the Temple Athletics community: the Owls are lucky to have a role model like Nick Plack.
Â
Players Mentioned
Ep. 4: Temple Athletics Weekly Recap; Men's Soccer Captain Lukas Egarter
Tuesday, September 16
Temple Men's Basketball | Babatunde Durodola Day In The Life
Saturday, September 13
Ep. 3: Temple Volleyball Head Coach Linda Hampton-Keith || Lacrosse Student-Athlete Jenna Facciolli
Friday, September 12
Ep. 2: Temple Football Alum Tyler Matakevich || Gymnastics Junior Amelia Budd
Friday, September 05
