Plymouth State University

NICK VAILAS ('76):  A former four-year starter on the Plymouth State football teams of the 1970s, Nick Vailas was a key player for the Panthers in their early years as a varsity program.  He played receiver for one year and linebacker for three, helping the Panthers to 23-9-2 record from 1972-75 under coach Tom Bell, and served as team co-captain his senior year. 

A native of Manchester, N.H., Vailas used his football experience and his Plymouth State degree in health education, coaching and athletic training in his professional career.  He founded one of the best ambulatory surgical centers in the United States, and he helped found the Safe Sports Network, an organization of physicians who perform exams on needy kids who want to play sports, and also educates coaches and provides athletic training coverage to local schools.  Vailas also served the state of New Hampshire as the Commissioner of Health and Human Services.

A high school football coach for many years, including stints as coach at the annual Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl, Vailas received PSU’s Walter Murphy Coaches Award in 2004.  He has been very supportive of his alma mater and has been instrumental in encouraging former teammates to support PSU Athletics.  His efforts led to an improved strength and conditioning facility for Plymouth State Athletics, now called the Vailas Performance Center.