Hall of Fame

Induction Year: 2017

As an accomplished teacher in the department of Physical Education as well as the former Head Athletic Trainer, John Wator, an Eagle for thirty years, is loved and respected for his astonishing and wonderful contributions to the athletic programs of Carl Sandburg High School. His involvement in athletics started long before his time at Sandburg. In 1973, Wator earned his Bachelor of the Arts degree in Physical Education at MacMurray College. While at MacMurray, he participated in wrestling for four years, and was the co-captain of the team for two years. In 1973, Wator received the MacMurray College Dan Unruh Award for Leadership. Wator was a part of the Northwestern University Faculty Athletic Training Program in 1979, and he completed graduate work at Illinois Benedictine University, Chicago State, and Governors State University.

His time at Sandburg was marked by excellence and achievement. He was instrumental in the development of several academic programs including the strength and conditioning program, sports medicine program, and the student athletic trainer program. It is his constant and unwavering support and care for the athletic programs, the coaches, and the athletes that make John Wator so honorable. Wator has been recognized for his contributions by earning the Carl Sandburg Teacher of the Year Award in 1992, and was inducted into the Illinois Athletic Trainers Hall of Fame in 2002.

Since retiring, Wator spends his time traveling with his wife of 41 years, Vicki, and enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren. Although there is time for leisure in his current schedule, Wator can still be found educating individuals as a PADI master scuba diving instructor.