Induction Video(Written: June 2015)George H. Chryst served as UW-Platteville’s football coach from 1979 until 1992, leading the Pioneers to a 79-60-2 record, with winning records in nine of his 14 seasons – and seven straight from 1986-92. He guided the program to its last league title in 1980, when he received conference Coach of the Year honors.
As the school’s athletics director from 1981-92, Chryst was a significant influence in the formation of the “Cheese League”, which featured five National Football League teams training in Wisconsin, including the Chicago Bears in Platteville from 1984-2001. He also hired Bo Ryan as men’s basketball coach – a decision that resulted in four NCAA Division III championships for the Pioneers.
Chryst is a member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, UW-Platteville and Wisconsin Football Coaches Association halls of fame. The WIAC Football Coach of the Year award is named in his honor.
He has two sons that are active in football coaching ranks. Paul is the current head coach at UW-Madison, while Geep is the offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers.
Chryst earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education and master’s degree in educational administration from UW-Madison. He passed away in December 1992.