Bom October 6, 1944 to Dorothy (Kwieran) and Michael Otolski. Mike was raised in a polish neighborhood on the west side of South Bend. Standing at an imposing 6'4', he never failed to stand out in a crowd. He discovered a love for sports at a young age that he carried through his life. Finding joy both on and off the field, sports were always a special part of his heart that he passed on to both family and friends alike. If there was talent there, it was nurtured. If there was more enthusiasm than talent, encouragement was always offered to play for fun and love of the game. He also taught his family to encourage others and cheer for their accomplishments whether they win or lose, because at the end of the day all that truly mattered was that you had fun.

 

Mike attended South Bend Central High School and was a member of the 1963 Basketball Runner-up team under Coach Powers alongside teammates Mike Warren, Jim Ward and McCallum. He was also a stand out pitcher for the South Bend Central Bears baseball team.

 

Following high school Mike attended St. Edwards College on a duo basketball/baseball scholarship. He was the basketball team's leading scorer his freshman year and ended his last season with 344 points. He lettered all four years and was all-conference in 1965 and 1966. He was voted Most Valuable Player in 1965 and still holds 10th place in career scoring in men's asketball at St. Edward's with 1371 points. In baseball, Mike led the pitching staff and was known as "Iron Man." In 1965, his four RBIs helped the team win the Big State Conference title. After college Mike joined the Mobridge Lakers in the Basin League, a minor baseball league becoming the league's 1st 8 game winner. Mike left the league to pursue other goals; one of which was desire to pass on his love of the game to younger generations.

 

Mike was hired the assistant basketball under Bob Bender in Quincy, Illinois. Their 1970-1971 basketball team was inducted in 2009 into the QND Hall of Fame. Mike and his wife Mary returned to South Bend to be closer to family where he took an assistant coaching position under David Hadaway at John Adams High School became Head Coach for the School in the 70's. After leaving Adams, Mike became Head Coach for the St Joseph Indians where he earned Coach of the Year Award in 1984. Following his departure from Saint Joseph, Mike was the head coach for the Washington Panthers until his retirement in 1993. Mike truly enjoyed   coaching all of his boys and wished them much love and success days in all of their future endeavors.  Post retirement Mike filled his days continuing to participate in the sports he loved so much. He worked as an official for several different  baseball and basketball leagues, continue to nuture the next generation’s love of the games and offering encouragement where  he was able to.

 

He also continued to teach his love of the games he played to his gran grandchildren. He taught his grandchildren from a very the art of baseball, organizing many games in the family's backyard. Granddaughters and Grandsons alike were taught the proper techniques for throwing, batting and catching. When the whole family was able get together, there was always joyous laughter and shenanigans to be had by all as they all inherited Mike's joy of the game. In his later years Mike also taught, to all of his children and grandchildren alike, a love of golf. He was always keeping everyone in a never ending supply of wiffle practice balls so as not to damage the neighbors windows; and odds were if you were looking to find him, he could be found somewhere around the 19th hole.

 

Mike is survived by his wife Mary (Brennan) Otolski and their children Meghan (Otolski) Bigelow, Matthew (Jinny) Otolski, Maureen (Michael) Schlatterbeck and Mitchell (Erin) Otolski. Mike was also a proud Grandfather to Molly Bigelow, Lucy Schlatterbeck, Fiona Schlatterbeck, Charlie Otolski, Jasper Otolski, and Maaron Otolski. Mike is also survived by his sister Shirley (Dale) Raquett. A Celebration of Life is to be held at a later date in The Villages Florida where Mike and Mary were enjoying their retirement.