ROMEOVILLE, Ill. - The Lewis University Athletic Department announced the next two inductees selected for the 2026 Lewis University Academy of Coaches.

Ray McLean and Mike Slovick 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 final two inductees to the 2026 Lewis University Academy of Coaches will be announced later this week. 

RAY MCLEAN — Football/Basketball
The "Father of Lewis Basketball," Ray "Scooter" McLean left a lasting mark on Flyers athletics before going on to coach in the National Football League, including a stint as head coach of the Green Bay Packers.
 
McLean joined Lewis College in 1948 as the school's head football coach and established the men's basketball program. The impact was immediate. The Flyers finished the 1948 season with a 6–2 record, tying Northwestern College for the league championship and outscoring their opponents 236–65. That winter, McLean coached Lewis' inaugural men's basketball team, guiding the squad to a 16–2 record. He remained the basketball coach for three seasons, compiling a 32–16 overall record. The following year on the gridiron, the Flyers finished 8–0, winning the 1949 Badger-Illini League Championship outright, and outscoring opponents by an astonishing 310–15 margin. In the spring of 1949, McLean established the college's baseball and track programs. However, limited enrollment made sustaining those teams difficult, and they were discontinued after just one season before being reinstated later. 


(McLean with his 1948 basketball team)

McLean remained at Lewis through the 1950 season before departing to join the Green Bay Packers as an assistant coach. During his three seasons leading the Lewis football program, he helped establish the foundation for the school's early athletic success.
 
He coached in Green Bay through the 1957 season before being elevated to head coach in 1958. McLean ended his coaching career with the Detroit Lions, where he was an assistant coach from 1959-63.
 
Before beginning his coaching career, McLean enjoyed a successful playing career with the Chicago Bears. Selected in the 21st round of the 1940 NFL Draft, he played eight seasons in Chicago from 1940-47 and was on four NFL championship teams. McLean played a memorable role in the Bears' 1941 NFL Championship victory over the New York Giants, successfully converting a drop-kicked extra point in Chicago's 37-9 victory. It remained the NFL's most recent successful drop-kick extra point for 64 years.
 
A native of Lowell, Massachusetts, McLean grew up in Concord, New Hampshire, attended Cushing Academy, and went on to play football and basketball at St. Anselm College. In 1980, McLean was named to the Saint Anselm Athletics Hall of Fame as well. McLean passed away on March 4, 1964, at age 48.
 
MIKE SLOVICK — Football
Lewis University Athletic Hall of Famer Mike Slovick built a coaching career spanning more than four decades, including head coaching and defensive coordinator positions at the collegiate level.
 
A Chicago native, Slovick was a three-sport standout at Kennedy High School before competing in basketball and baseball at Lewis. His accomplishments as a student-athlete earned him induction into the Lewis University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1993.


(Slovick wearing #33)
 
Slovick began his coaching career in 1971 at Providence Catholic High School. He spent one season as head coach at Salpointe Catholic High School in 1976 before joining the Joliet Catholic Academy football staff, where he spent five seasons as defensive coordinator.
 
He joined the University of St. Francis football program in 1986 and served as defensive coordinator for eight seasons before becoming head coach from 1994-2004. During his time leading the defense, St. Francis became one of the NAIA's strongest defensive programs, with his teams ranking among the nation's top 10 in multiple defensive statistical categories across multiple seasons. In 1993, Slovick participated in the Chicago Bears' "Think Tank," which brought together football coaches from across the country.
 
Slovick later joined Saint Xavier University as an assistant coach and was named the Mid-States Football Association Mideast League Assistant Coach of the Year in 2010. He retired after the 2016 season, following more than 45 years on the sidelines.
 
Slovick passed away on Feb. 11, 2026. He is survived by his son, Shane; granddaughter, Emma; and extended family.

For a full list of members of the Lewis University Academy of Coaches, click here.

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