Hall of Fame
Despite playing in the "trenches" as a starting defensive tackle for four years, Lee Nystrom showed remarkable durability by never missing a game in his entire career with the Scots.
As a sophomore in 1970, Nystrom was voted by his teammates as the most improved player on the squad. He began to really blossom the next fall, earning honorable-mention All-MIAC honors in the process.
The word was out on Nystrom before his senior year in 1972 and he was named as a pre-season All-American candidate. He didn't disappoint, garnering All-MIAC honors as the Scots most valuable player and catching the eye of National Football League (NFL) scouts for his outstanding play.
After graduation, Nystrom signed on as an offensive tackle with the Green Bay Packers. He played three seasons of professional football before returning to the Twin Cities and becoming vice-president of Norman H. Winer & Associates Inc., an insurance brokerage firm. He presently works in the same role with Marsh & McLennan National Marketing.
Nystrom was active in the Scots Club and served as the organization's president as a junior and senior. While working at his full-time job, the physical education major also served as an assistant football and baseball coach at Macalester from 1976-84.
"Lee came back to assist the coaches not only in football, but baseball too," said former teammate Dale Worden (Class of '77). "I know his contributions aided many athletes in developing them to their full potential."
"If you talk about a devoted alumnus who continues to give to his alma mater, then Lee Nystrom personifies that," said Head Football Coach Tom Hosier. "He was very much involved in the rebuilding of the Macalester football program. I will forever be grateful to him."
Nystrom and his wife, Gail, make their home in Minnetonka.
