Romeoville, Ill. — The Lewis University Athletic Department announced the first two inductees selected for the 2026 Lewis University Academy of Coaches.
Standout cross country coaches
Bob Schultz () and
Eva Suyko (Manzke) () were tabbed to the 2026 class and will be inducted during halftime of the men's basketball game against Judson on Nov. 21, 2026. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.
"We are incredibly proud to welcome this group into the Lewis University Academy of Coaches," Assistant Vice President for Athletics
John Ashaolu said. "Their careers represent what coaching is really about: leadership, mentorship, service, and making a lasting impact on student-athletes. Each of these individuals has contributed to the coaching profession in a meaningful way, and we look forward to celebrating their accomplishments and their connection to Lewis University."
The Lewis University Academy of Coaches was established in 2019 with 10 individuals in its inaugural class. Ahead of the 2026 class, 37 individuals have been inducted. The accolade honors former Flyers who have made a lasting impact through their coaching. Inductees are recognized for sustained excellence and careers that reflect Lewis University's Catholic and Lasallian mission in educational and professional settings. The remaining four inductees to the 2026 Lewis University Academy of Coaches will be announced throughout the week ahead.
EVA SUYKO (MANZKE) — Cross Country
A longtime coach and educator,
Eva Suyko (Manzke) () has spent more than three decades helping student-athletes develop athletically and academically.
Suyko competed in cross country and track and field during her four years at Lewis, earning All-Conference honors in 1988 and 1991. Following the 1991 cross country season, she was named an Academic All-American, while her 5K time of 19:00 from that season currently ranks among the top 25 in Lewis women's cross country history. She also earned a provisional qualifying mark in the 1,500 meters during the 1991 track and field season.
(Suyko running at Lewis)
Suyko graduated from Lewis in 1991 with a bachelor's degree in elementary education and earned a master's degree in administration and Type 75 certification from Lewis in 1995. In 2014, she earned a master's degree in instructional leadership and an English learner degree from the University of Illinois Chicago.
She began her coaching career at Argo Community High School, serving as an assistant coach for the cross country team from 1992-94. She has served as the head girls track and field coach at Argo since 2003 and returned to the cross country team in 2022 as an assistant coach.
Suyko also served as the head track and field coach at Heritage Middle School in 1996 and as the school's head cross country coach from 2018-22. She also coached at Morton College from 2012-14 and served as the head boys' and girls' cross country coach at Evergreen Park High School from 2013-18.
She has received multiple South Suburban Conference Coach of the Year nominations. In 2023, she was named Illinois State Agriculture Teacher of the Year for her work incorporating healthy eating, exercise, and wellness into her curriculum. Suyko spent 35 years in School District 104 before retiring in June 2026. She currently serves as a student advocate for ISC4.
(Suyko with one of her runners)
Suyko and her husband, Marty Manzke Sr., have three children, Morgan, Madison and former Lewis men's soccer player Marty Jr.
BOB SCHULTZ — Cross Country
A standout runner and coach for the Flyers,
Bob Schultz () has built a coaching career spanning more than three decades, highlighted by conference and regional championships, NCAA Division III national championships, national records and numerous Coach of the Year honors.
As a student-athlete at Lewis, Schultz earned All-GLVC honors in cross country in 1987 and was a member of the first Lewis men's cross country team to qualify for the national championships in 1988. He graduated from Lewis in 1991 with a bachelor's degree in psychology.
(Schultz in 1988)
Schultz began his collegiate coaching career at Elmhurst College, where he served as head men's and women's cross country and track and field coach from 1994-2002. He guided the women's cross country program to three College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin championships and two top-10 finishes at the NCAA Division III Cross Country Championships.
He returned to Lewis as head men's and women's cross country and track and field coach from 2002-05, leading the Flyers to four GLVC track and field championships and two GLVC cross country championships. He earned six GLVC Coach of the Year honors during his three seasons at Lewis.
Schultz then spent nearly two decades at Loras College, serving as head men's and women's cross country coach from 2005-23 and head men's and women's track and field coach from 2005-13 before becoming an assistant coach through 2024. During his tenure, Loras won three NCAA Division III Women's Outdoor Track and Field Championships and two indoor titles. He also coached five athletes who set NCAA Division III all-time records. His cross country teams won two NCAA Central Region championships and six American Rivers Conference titles, and produced two top-10 NCAA Division III national finishes and individual national champions in 2021 and 2022. Schultz also coached a five-time national champion in women's track and field.
(Schultz with one of his national championship trophies)
He earned Iowa Conference Men's Cross Country Coach of the Year honors five times, NCAA Central Region Men's Cross Country Coach of the Year honors twice, and Iowa Conference Women's Cross Country Coach of the Year honors twice.
Schultz and his wife, Jennifer, have two children, Joey and Justin, and two grandchildren.
For a full list of members of the Lewis University Academy of Coaches,
click here.
For the latest news and updates on Lewis athletics, visit LewisFlyers.com and follow the Flyers on social media at @golewisflyers on Instagram and @LewisFlyers on X.
