Tim Aylward graduated from Pius X in 1969 before attending Kearney State, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physical education. After brief stints as a teacher and coach at Kearney High School and Cozad High School, Aylward was hired as a physical education teacher and head football coach to replace Pius X’s legendary Vince Aldrich in 1985.

As a head coach, Aylward led the Thunderbolts football program to more than 200 wins and four state championships. He has been the recipient of numerous coaching honors, including coach of the year. Aylward was inducted into the Pius X Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017. Currently in his tenth year as the school’s athletic director, he has overseen major facility improvements such as installing turf at Aldrich Field, purchasing state-of-the-art scoreboards in Bishop Flavin Gym, and adding a softball practice field on campus. Aylward was also instrumental in the school joining the Heartland Athletic Conference.

An endowed fund honoring Tim Aylward has been established by an anonymous donor to honor his commitment to Catholic education and his impact on many student-athletes at Pius X High School. Examples of what the funds for the Athletic Department may be used for include weight room equipment, hurdles, practice equipment, supplies for the athletic trainer, etc.