Culver City Observer -

Tom Nakayama, a longtime math teacher at Culver City Middle School, passed away last week, according to local school officials.

Affectionately known as “Coach Nak,” Nakayama helped coach and assist the trainers for Culver City High School’s football, girls’ basketball and track teams for more than 25 years.

“He was well-loved by students,” said CCHS Athletic Director Tom Salter. “He always had a smile on his face and would bring snacks for all the student athletes.”

Nakayama was also in charge of the first-down chains at UCLA football games for many years, and earned Teacher of the Year honors from the NFL after he was nominated by former Centaur and Pittsburgh Steeler Carnell Lake.