Northeastern University Athletics

Joseph P. Zabilski was elected to the Hall of Fame for his outstanding career at Northeastern as both a coach and an administrator.

In his 24 years as head coach of football between 1948 and 1971 his teams won 101 games against 77 losses and 6 ties. These years included undefeated seasons in 1951, 6-0-1; and in 1963, 8-0; and celebrated autumns like 1953, 6-1; and 1967, 7-1. His 1963 undefeated team went on to participate in post season bowl competition. Zabilski was honored as the New England Coach of the Year in 1953 and 1963 and as District I Coach of the Year by his peers in the American Football Coaches Association in 1963 and 1967. In 1974 he received the prestigious George C. Carens Award for outstanding contribution to New England football.

Zabilski came to Northeastern in 1948 as head coach of football and basketball and assistant coach of track. He was relieved of his basketball and track duties in 1958 to become assistant athletic director and upon his retirement as football coach was elevated to associate athletic director. He also became secretary and treasurer of both the Greater Boston and New England Collegiate Athletic Associations.

A 1937 graduate of LaSalle Academy in Providence, Zabilski captained the football, basketball and track teams. Playing guard for Boston College, Zabilski distinguished himself in the 1940 Cotton Bowl and the 1941 Sugar Bowl in which Boston College upset Tennessee, 19-13. In World War II he served aboard the first anti-submarine carrier pressed into action in the Atlantic and was discharged from the Navy a much decorated lieutenant.