George Ekaitis left a legacy at Washington College – as a very tough man and coach. He came to the Eastern Shore campus in 1932 from Western Maryland College where he excelled in football, held the NCAA lightweight boxing title and won the Bates Prize for Best All Around Man.
Ekaitis was inducted into the Western Maryland College Sports Hall of Fame in 1978, posthumously. His citation read, “He was an outstanding personality on campus and known to his fellow students as a Greek god.”
At Washington College he coached football, track and lacrosse from 1932 until1942 when football and track were discontinued because of World War II. He returned to coach both sports, 1946-48. During that period he served as Director of Athletics.
Despite its small size in male enrollment, Washington College enjoyed success on the gridiron under Ekaitis. His 1934 team led by Bill Nicholson was undefeated, 5-0-1. In 1936 his eleven, starring Gibby Young, was 4-2-1. His 1941 team sparked by Lou Yerkes was 3-3-1.
In track he enjoyed many winning seasons and developed a number of standout performers. He coached lacrosse for three seasons – 1932,33 and 34. He produced fine players and despite a formidable schedule, recorded a good record for teams of that period.
After leaving Washington College he coached the Atlantic City High School football squad in New Jersey. He died in 1960.
