John Payak entered Bowling Green State University after an outstanding career at Toledo Woodward. He made the starting lineup mid-season as a freshman, and was a starter on the 1945 team that went to the NIT finals. Payak entered the U.S Navy at the end of his freshman year, but returned in time for the 1946-47 season.
After his career as a Falcon, Payak joined the Tri-Cities team in the ABL, and then moved to Milwaukee in the NBA. Payak also played with a team out of Toledo, serving as the opponent for the Harlem Globetrotters.
John Payak was inducted to the BGSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1974.
