Mourning the Tragic Passing of UND All-American Greg Lotysz
The University of North Dakota football family is mourning the loss of one of their most decorated alumni, Greg Lotysz, who passed away on Friday after battling multiple health complications. Lotysz was an All-American offensive lineman for the Fighting Sioux from 1995-1998 and was drafted 3rd overall in the 1999 CFL Draft before signing as an undrafted free agent with the New York Jets.
College Football Career at UND
During his career at UND, the 6'3" 300 lb Lotysz was a standout left tackle, earning All-America honors in 1998. He was instrumental in leading the Fighting Sioux to a 32-10 overall record and 28-8 mark in North Central Conference play during his four years.
As a freshman in 1995, Lotysz was part of the NCC championship team that finished the year 10-2. He would help guide the Sioux to two playoff berths over the next three seasons as well.
But Lotysz's breakout year came as a senior in 1998 when he paved the way for an 8-3 overall record and 7-2 conference finish, earning First Team All-NCC and Second Team All-American recognitions.
Brief NFL Career with the Jets
Lotysz was drafted 3rd overall in the 1999 CFL Draft by the BC Lions but chose to sign with the New York Jets as an undrafted NFL free agent. He made the practice squad as a rookie in 1999.
However, during training camp in 2000, Lotysz suffered a severe left knee injury that required surgery. Complications from that surgery resulted in two post-op infections that ultimately ended his football career.
Coaching Career
After his playing days were over, Lotysz returned to his alma mater to coach. He was a graduate assistant for UND in 2001 and 2002, contributing to the NCAA Division II national title team.
Lotysz would go on to spend several years as a volunteer assistant on UND teams in the mid-to-late 2000s under head coach Chris Mussman.
Passing After Recent Health Issues
According to a recent Caring Bridge post by his family, Lotysz went to the emergency room on July 29th and was admitted to the ICU the next day. He was battling pneumonia, a UTI, blood clot in his leg, impaired kidney and liver function, and weakened heart and lung conditions.
Former UND and NFL lineman Chris Kuper, now the offensive line coach for the Minnesota Vikings, visited Lotysz in Grand Forks earlier this month. Though Kuper played after Lotysz's time, he credited Lotysz for his development at UND.
Survivors Include Wife and Children
Lotysz is survived by his wife Heather and three children, Lawson, Peyton and Olivia. Son Peyton was a starting guard for UND the past three seasons before a recent injury led to him stepping away this fall. He is currently a student video assistant for the team.
The entire UND football family mourns the untimely passing of Greg Lotysz, who was not only an All-American on the field but impacted many as both a player and coach. He will be dearly missed.
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