Member of the 1929-1940 Men's Basketball Team
In 1938, Nick Chintis of Hammond, Illinois, was recruited by Coach Kenneth Gunning. While at STC, Nick participated in the International Relations Club, the "T" Club, Blue Key Honor Fraternity, football, basketball, student government, and was a member of the 1948 El Corral staff.
As a member of the 1939 team, Nick recalls the impact of Coach Ray Brancheau. "Brancheau from the onset, not only through his coaching, made a total person of me," Chintis states.
Like many other STC students before the war, Nick and Winifred Watkins of Silver City were married. Nick joined the 111th Cavalry, a part of the New Mexico National Guard, and was a part of the ill-fated regiment captured at Bataan. He served as an army staff sergeant from 1940-1946. His troop was sent from Fort Bliss to Clarkfield in the Philippines in September 1941.
Shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the Philippines were also attacked. Nick's regiment was taken prisoner following the April 9th surrender at the Battle of Bataan. The Death March ensued. While a POW, he spent three years at the Yokohama shipyard.
He was awarded the Bronze Star and received the Purple Heart, and four Presidential citations.
Upon his September 1945 return, Nick re-enrolled at STC and graduated in 1948. He taught and coached at Cobre High School in Bayard, New Mexico. From 1951-1973, he served as Grand County Supervisor. In 1953, he received his Master of Science in Administration and a Master of Science in Counseling in 1963.
From 1953-1973, he worked in the Administration Department at WNMU. His last title was Director of Admission, Placement, and Field Services, which included alumni and high school recruitment and off-campus instruction.
Father of three sons, Mark who coached at Cobre was killed in a car accident in 1981, Mike, and Brad, Nick and his wife, Jeanne, reside in Silver City, New Mexico.
