In Memoriam

SHAPE America member Elizabeth Bowles Sharp, Professor of Kinesiology and Assistant Academic Department Head for Kinesiology at Colorado Mesa University, passed away on November 26th.

This year marked Elizabeth’s 14th year of teaching PETE students and her 20th overall in education. She served as the chair of SHAPE America’s Professional Preparation Council. Elizabeth’s many contributions were made even more amazing by the fact that her Stage IV cancer returned in 2023.

In honor of Elizabeth, all of the funds we raise today and throughout the rest of this year’s Giving Season will be used to provide one-year SHAPE America Student Memberships to undergraduates who are studying to become health and physical educators.

Elizabeth Bowles Sharp image from https://www.bernafuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Elizabeth-Sharp-3/#!/Obituary.

Cynthia Jean Johnson 69 yrs. old of Proctor MN passed away on Saturday September 21, 2024, at Essentia Hospital in Duluth.

Cynthia was born on September 7, 1955, in Superior Wisconsin to Niel and Jeanette Johnson. She graduated from Aurora Hoyt Lakes High School, 1973, Gustaves Adolphus College B.A. degree in 1977 and Master of Education from University of Minnesota Duluth in 2010. She taught P.E. in Esko Public Schools for 44 years and coached girls’ high school Volleyball and Track and Field for 21 years.

Cynthia was the 2004 MNAHPERD Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year, 2004 USCA curling coach of the year and the 2015 MNSHAPE Central District Middle School Teacher of the Year.

Cynthia is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Holly and father-in-law Michael Stevens. Cynthia is survived by her husband Kevin, her brother Brian Johnson (Becky) of Hibbing MN, mother-in-law Sharon Stevens of Eagan MN, brother-in-law Mark Stevens (Kim) of Hibbing, sisters-in-law Bonnie and Michelle Stevens of Eagan, nieces Maddie, Sophie, Riley and nephew Michael.

Copy and Cynthia Jean Johnson image from https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/cynthia-johnson-obituary?id=56405718#:~:text=Cynthia%20Jean%20Johnson%2069%20yrs,to%20Niel%20and%20Jeanette%20Johnson.

He was a member of SHAPE America Eastern District for 44 years and PSAHPERD for 54 years, having a never-ending desire and passion for physical activity, teaching and learning, and service to the profession. Throughout his career, he has been called scholar, teacher, coach, administrator, president, advocate, mentor, colleague, and friend. He has been a role model for lifelong physical activity and his personal commitment and excitement for remaining physically active over the years has been a true inspiration to all.

Chick’s first encounter with physical activity came from watching his older brother play baseball with his dad. He soon took an interest himself and began to engage in several neighborhood pick-up games of football, soccer, basketball, and baseball. His love and passion for participating in sports continued in high school as a member of the soccer, basketball and track and field teams. Following high school, Chick attended Springfield College where he studied physical education and was a member of the track and field and soccer teams. He was a runner for the 1952 one-mile relay team that won the gold medal in the Boston Athletic Games and was named to the All-New England Soccer Team and a candidate for the All-American Team.

Upon graduating from Springfield College Chick was hired as a teacher for health and physical education, social studies, and science in Woodbridge, CT. Although it was here that Chick began to make his mark on teaching health and physical education by instilling the value for being physically active, teaching was short-lived for Hungerford as he was soon called to serve in the United States Army. While serving in the Army, Chick was given the rare chance of a lifetime an invitation to the Olympic trials for a sport on the United States Olympic Soccer Team. With over 180 candidates at the trials, Chick made it to the final cut of 20 players left to fight for the 14 spaces available on the team. Although he was not fortunate enough to make the team, he felt it was a very proud and memorable moment in his life. Following the trials he returned to his military duties where he became a member of the US Army soccer team and played for the remainder of his military term.

In 1956, Charles W. Hungerford returned to the field of health and physical education and truly began to impact the lives of others serving in a variety of educational positions such as teacher, coach, and administrator. Chick shared his knowledge and expertise while serving as a middle and high school physical education teacher in both Connecticut and Pennsylvania from 1954-1968. He spent the next 11 years serving as the chairman of health and physical education and the athletic director for Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell, PA. The last fourteen years of his career before retiring were spent as the Program Coordinator for health and physical education for the School District of Lancaster, PA. Those individuals that were fortunate enough to reap the benefits of Chick’s teaching, leadership, and support know firsthand of the importance of what he has done for the profession.

The dedication, commitment, and hard work of Chick was clearly evident throughout his career and recognized on several occasions at the state, district, and national levels. He has received numerous awards from various organizations including the 2014 R. Tait McKenzie Award, the 2014 Lancaster New Era Red Rose Award, and 2011-2012 USTA Middle States Award, the Central Penn District Presidential Award with his wife Nancy, the 2010 Lancaster Tennis Patrons Association Richard T. Green Community Tennis & Service Award, the 2010 Eastern District/AAHPERD Council for Aging & Development Award, the 2007 PSAHPERD Professional Service Award and Lifetime Achievement Award to name a few. Recognition for Chick began as early as 1977 and varied from year to year receiving highest distinction awards, honor awards, service awards, presidential awards, outstanding contribution awards, and many more. The uniqueness of his commitment comes from over 50 plus years of service and passion for the profession along with his own desire to be physically active.

It was in 1957 that Chick began his service to the profession and has continued to serve every year since then at the state, district, and national levels in various capacities. Over the course of his career, he has served as a member/chair of several committees, convention manager, treasurer, secretary, parliamentarian, and president of PSAHPERD, Eastern District, and NASPE. In addition to serving as a secretary to the profession, Chick has been involved in community engagement for over 50 years serving: as a secretary and board member for the Avalon Yacht Club of NJ, (he and Nancy initiated the first summer recreation program for young members), the Manor Township Recreation and Parks Board, Manor Township High School, the Penn Manor School Board, the Boys Club of Lancaster, the Lancaster Tennis Patrons Association, the United States Tennis Association Middle States and the Lancaster Occupation Development Center. Chick has demonstrated exemplary service that has had a tremendous impact on several communities, professional organizations, and its members. The community was extremely grateful for his dedication and endless giving of himself and his time.

Charles W. Hungerford was a rare gem who devoted his life and career to the field of health, physical education, and athletics. He was an inspiration to all who came in contact with him. He has taught us all the true meaning of serving and teaching. It is through his teaching and service to the field that he supported those invested in the profession today and helped to pave the way for the future professionals of tomorrow.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son-in-law, Dr. David Thomas of Brookline, CT. He was preceded in death by his daughter, the late Jill Eckman Hungerford, Ph.D who died in 1999, and six brothers, the late Rodney, Kenneth, Richard, Herbert, William, Donald Hungerford; two sisters, Thelma H. Moyle, and Harriet Callahan.

Copy and Charles W. Hungerford image from https://lancasteronline.com/obituaries/charles-chick-hungerford/article_4bf9bb01-d852-54d8-8cfa-9062e4a078e2.html.

After graduating in 1978 from Salpointe Catholic High School in Tucson, he attended the University of San Diego and earned his B.A. in Biology in 1982. He received the Franklin Award as the outstanding male in his graduating class. From there he migrated to the Atlantic coast to attend the University of South Carolina, School of Public Health. There he earned his Master of Science in Public Health in Epidemiology and Biostatistics in 1984. Bill earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in 1993 with a major focus in Epidemiology and Community Health Studies at the University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, School of Public Health.

Professionally, he will be remembered for his highly distinguished career for his numerous research studies, publications, leadership roles and professorships focused in the areas of Epidemiology and Kinesiology. Specifically, his research interests included Physical Activity and Nutrition, Cardiovascular and Chronic Diseases and Social Determinants of Health.

Bill’s professional research and leadership endeavors included working at the Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research, Baylor Sports Medicine Institute, International Life Sciences Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health and Austin regional campus. He held editorial positions for several scientific journals including the Journal of Physical Activity and Health. He authored nearly 300 articles and co-authored two textbooks. He was the founder and past president of the International Society for Physical Activity and Health 2010-2016.

He held many professional affiliations including the National Academy of Kinesiology (Fellow) and the American College of Sports Medicine (Fellow). He received numerous awards over his career including from the US Department of Health and Human Services and the American College of Sports Medicine.

At the time of his death, Bill was Professor of Epidemiology and Kinesiology at the University of Texas Health Science Center (Houston School of Public Health) and the University of Texas, Austin. Bill was also serving as the Associate Regional Dean for Academic Affairs and International Health Affairs at the Austin Regional Campus. Bill’s students and colleagues meant the world to him. He loved mentoring, advising and working alongside them and has been lovingly referred to as an “academic dad.” Bill was a highly respected icon in his field and will be sorely missed by all who crossed paths with him. His intellectual impact will be a lasting legacy.

Copy and Harold Kohl III image from https://www.statesman.com/obituaries/paco0692273.

Wayne Hans Osness passed away on October 4, 2023 with his family around him. He was born in Merrill, Wisconsin on July 11, 1933 to Marion Fischer Osness and Leonard Osness. He graduated from Antigo High School in 1951. He was a member of the football team, captain of the basketball team and track team. He was the Outstanding Senior Athlete and the Outstanding Senior Boy of his graduating class. It was there that he met his High School sweetheart, Donna Lea Murray, who became his wife. (They were married for 69 years before Donna passed away in December of 2020.) After High School, Wayne went on to the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire where he served as co-captain of the football team and was named All-Conference. Following graduation with a degree in chemistry, he was inducted into the University’s Athletic Hall of Fame. He went on to coach football and track in Marion, WI and Madison, WI. During his years in Madison, he taught High School chemistry and completed master’s degrees in chemistry and physical education. While finishing his PhD in Exercise Physiology, he coached the freshman football team at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. In 1966, Wayne and Donna moved with their five children to Lawrence, KS where he joined the faculty at the University of Kansas in the Physical Education, Health, and Recreation Department. In addition to teaching and directing the graduate program, he assumed the position of KU track coach for the weight events. Wayne was inducted into the KU Relays Hall of Fame in 1980. Wayne spent 40 years at KU teaching Exercise Physiology, directing the Human Performance Lab, mentoring hundreds of students and serving on numerous University Boards – such as the Athletic Board. He also served as Senior Scientist, the Center On Aging at the KU Medical Center and was a guest lecturer at numerous Universities across the country and overseas. During his professional life, Wayne was honored by his professional colleagues and associations. He received awards from the State of Kansas, the Central District, and the National Association for Physical Education. Wayne is a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine and the Research Consortium of AAHPERD. In 1978, he was given the Luther Halsey Gulick Medal – the highest award given to teaching and research professionals in his field.

Wayne’s research centered primarily on cardiac rehabilitation plus metabolic and pulmonary function. He was also actively involved in the research of the biological aging process and the assessment of functional capacity among older populations. During his professional career, he published over one hundred books and articles and made hundreds of presentations both nationally and internationally. He was widely respected for his extensive knowledge and experience in the field of biological aging and was in demand as a consultant and speaker at many professional meetings and events.

During his years at KU, Wayne served on the United States Olympic Committee. For thirteen years, he worked with the Site Selection Committee and the Executive Board of Governors. Later he assumed the direction for the Olympic Education Committee and traveled to many countries to assist them in developing their teams and programs. Wayne also spent time as a visiting professor at West Point Military Academy helping with program development. He served his professional organization – AAHPERD – at the state level and went on the serve as the national president.

Wayne was also active at the state and local level in promoting fitness and a healthy lifestyle by serving as the first president of the Governor’s Council on Fitness. He organized the first Kansas State Games. Locally, he was instrumental in starting and participating in an exercise group that met in Allen Field House at 6:00am. He introduced many Lawrence residents to walking and running programs. His expertise was sought after frequently to assist other cities in the development of fitness programs and fitness centers. Serving the community of Lawrence was important to Wayne and he served on numerous committees and Boards. He was active in the Kiwanis Club and served as local president and Lt. Governor for the District.

The Osness family has attended Trinity Lutheran Church since arriving in Kansas in 1966. Wayne served on the church council and as president for three different terms.

Family was most important to Wayne. He and Donna had five children: Patrick Osness (Barbara), Karen Thompson (Stan), Cinda Peck (Rod), Deena Osness, and Lynne Buckley (Owen). He also had nine grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Wayne was happiest when he had his children around him and a toddler on his knee. He will be missed by all who knew him – but his legacy and good council will live on through his children and their families as well as the many students, friends, and professionals whose lives he touched.

Copy and Wayne Osness image from warrenmcelwain.com.

John Cates, born April 21, 1935 in Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away September 17, 2023 at his home in Desert Hot Springs, CA.

John grew up in Rock Island, Ill., graduating from Rock Island High School, earned his B.A. from Western Illinois University, and his M.A. from State University of Iowa. An avid athlete, he spent his life in the field of fitness, teaching physical education, recreation, health and nutrition at both the high school level in Wood River and Lombard Illinois, and at the collegiate level at the University of California San Diego. John also served as a special advisor/clinician with the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports under 5 Presidents, including serving as assistant to President’s Council Chairs, George Allen and Arnold Schwarzenegger, and as Executive Director of the California Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports under California Governor Pete Wilson.

As a long-time resident of Encinitas, CA, John promoted health and fitness in San Diego County through many local projects and programs including organizing fitness symposiums, building Par Cours fitness trails/fitness courts, working with local chapters of California State Games and San Diego Senior Olympics, and serving as Executive Director of the Greater San Diego Inner-City Games.

Susan lived life to the fullest. Her sense of adventure and exploration in the culinary world enriched the lives of many. Higgins Beach, Maine was her happy place and Susan, Terrie and family shared many cherished summers together in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

In retirement, John enjoyed traveling, camping, and outdoor recreational activities which he shared with his wife Judy of 50 years, and his children Jay and Kari. Like his best friend and mentor, Jack LaLanne, John never stopped sharing his advocacy of living a healthy lifestyle with all he met.

John is survived by his wife Judy, his children Jay and Kari, and his grandchildren Kayla, Karly, Cameron, and Drake.

Susan was a woman of remarkable beauty, both inside and out. Her infectious smile and laughter warmed the hearts of all who knew her.

Susan, affectionately known as the “gadget queen,” possessed a remarkable knack for innovation and creativity. Her ingenuity knew no bounds, and her ability to turn the ordinary into something extraordinary was truly captivating.

At the core of Susan’s world was her deep and unwavering love for her wife, Terrie Young. Her dedication to her family and an extensive circle of friends was a testament to her kind and loving spirit. Susan cherished her fur babies (Peanut, Hannah, Lucy, Bogey, Dash).

Susan lived life to the fullest. Her sense of adventure and exploration in the culinary world enriched the lives of many. Higgins Beach, Maine was her happy place and Susan, Terrie and family shared many cherished summers together in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Susan’s passionate love for sports, whether cheering for the Maryland Terps, the Washington Mystics, or the New York Yankees, revealed her spirited nature. As a dedicated PE educator, influencer and agitator,Susan spoke truth to power to change things for the better for kids, schools and her community. She leaves Burning Tree Elementary behind a legacy of inspiration.

Copy and Susan Loftus image from legacy.com.

Coach, Teacher, Educator, NASPE Hall of Famer

An innovator, leader and teacher throughout his life in basketball, Krause was head men’s basketball coach for the Eagles for 17 seasons from 1967-85, compiling a 262-195 record. Eastern was affiliated with NAIA for most of those seasons before the Eagles moved to NCAA Division II and eventually Division I in the early 1980’s.

His best season at Eastern was a 25-4 finish in 1976-77 as Eastern came one victory away from a berth in the NAIA Tournament. But the source of his greatest pride was as an educator as 81 percent of his players received their bachelor’s degrees. In the 1993-94 season he also served as a volunteer assistant coach for former Eastern head coach John Wade.

His impact on the sport of basketball reaches far beyond coaching. In 2003 he received a “Guardians of the Game for Advocacy Award” from the National Association of Basketball Coaches for his research in developing a standardized rim testing program.

He was selected to the NAIA Hall of Fame in 2000, and the same year was inducted into the National Association For Sport and Physical Education Hall of Fame. He was chair of the National Association of Basketball Coaches research committee, which he served on for more than 30 years.

Jerry Krause image from Eastern Washington University.

Pamela Ann Bechtel passed away on March 24, 2023. She was born on May 22, 1956 in Sandusky, OH to Jessie (Eichhorn) Bechtel and Paul Edwin Bechtel. She was the oldest of their three children. Pam attended K-12 schools in Sandusky, OH, Perrysburg, OH and Tipp City, OH. She was a 1974 graduate of Tippecanoe H.S. in Tipp City, OH. She was a 1978 graduate of BGSU and received her Masters’ degree from BGSU in 1981. Pam earned her Ph.D. from The Ohio State University in August 2001 in Sport and Exercise Education.

Pam was a teacher at heart and teaching was her passion. She taught from Aug. 1978- July 1997 at Oak Harbor High School. Her teaching areas were physical education, health education, and anatomy & physiology. She was the head volleyball coach for 19 years. She coached the 1989 team to their first appearance in the regional semi-finals. She was the Assistant Athletic Director for 10 years and the Athletic Director for three years.

Pam left OHHS in 1997 to begin her path towards teaching in higher education by working at the University of Toledo, as a Visiting Instructor. She then began her doctoral work in August 1998 at The Ohio State University. She taught at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI from 2001-2003, the University of Toledo from 2003-2005, and at her dream job -Bowling Green State University in the Physical Education Health Education (PEHE) program from 2005-2015; Retiring as an Emeritus Associate Professor. She continued to teach for the PEHE program until Fall 2020. Her passion was helping to grow teachers in physical education and health education for the K-12 setting. She mentored many student teachers who are in teaching fields and other careers today.

Pam was an active member of the Ohio Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (OAHPERD) since 1978. She served in various offices and received many awards from OAHPERD. She served as the President from 2013-2015. She currently was serving as a Trustee for the organization. She was a member of the Society for Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America) since 1978. She served as the Midwest District President from 2018-2019. She made various presentations at state and national conventions. She was a member of the Bowling Green Chapter of AAUW, serving as the recording secretary from 2019-2023. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in Bowling Green, OH where she served on the vestry and was a reader for services. Pam will be inducted into the Oak Harbor High School Athletic Hall of Fame class of 2023.

Pam participated on the first three girls’ sports teams while attending Tippecanoe High School -track, volleyball and girls’ basketball. She liked to stay active and enjoyed playing pickleball, golf, and a good game of volleyball. Fishing on Lake Erie was a favorite past time when the fish were biting.

Pam was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and brother-in-law, David Evans. Pam is survived by her brother James (Shawna) Bechtel, Oak Harbor, OH, her sister Paula (Larry) Evans, The Villages, FL, her nephew Lucas (Dana) Bechtel, nieces Kathleen Bechtel, Stacy (Chris) Bury, Stephanie (Kristina, Josh) Evans and Grandnephew Christopher Bury. Also, her beloved pet, Buster.

There will be visitation with the family present at the Robinson-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory, 165 E. Water St., Oak Harbor, OH on Friday, April 14th from 4-8 PM. There will be a Celebration of Life for Pam on Saturday, April 15th at St. John Lutheran Church, 122 W. Ottawa St., Oak Harbor, OH at 11AM. Online condolences for the family may be shared at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.

Margaret JoAnne Safrit (Jo), 87, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 17, at Well-Spring Retirement Community in Greensboro, NC. She attended Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina (now UNCG) and graduated with the class of 1957. After spending three years at the University of Texas, Austin, she enrolled in the graduate program at the University of Wisconsin, where she earned her master’s and doctoral degrees in Kinesiology, specializing in quantitative measurement. She went on to hold academic positions at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and American University in Washington, DC. As a professor at UW, Madison, Dr. Safrit was awarded the Henry-Basom Professorship, an endowed professorship she held until her retirement from the university.

Dr. Safrit received many honors during her career in academe, including the Luther Halsey Gullick Award from SHAPE America, the Hetherington Award from the National Academy of Kinesiology, and numerous awards from state and local organizations. She authored and published several books on measurement and numerous research articles in the field of quantitative measurement.

A highlight in her career was her being invited to lecture in 1985 at Shanghai University of Sport in Shanghai, China, only a short time after China was opened for travel by Westerners. She returned to China several times, including once as an honored guest at the 60th anniversary of Shanghai University, during which she was awarded an honorary doctorate in Education. She was also invited to lecture in Korea and throughout Europe.

A physical education major at Woman’s College (Class of ’57), Jo returned to Greensboro at the end of her professional career as a professor and devoted herself whole-heartedly to the University. With a particular passion for women’s basketball, she created the Mildred Curlee Cooper Scholarship for Women’s Basketball in honor of her high school basketball coach. With her late, beloved partner, Dr. Catherine Ennis ’77 MS, Jo established the Safrit-Ennis Women’s Basketball Athletic Scholarship Fund. Her giving helped upgrade the team’s locker room, and she was also instrumental in the foundation of the Game Changers, a group dedicated to growing support for UNCG Women’s Basketball.

Dr. Michael W. Metzler passed away on October 18, 2022 at the age of 70 while vacationing in Arizona.

He was predeceased by his father and mother, James and Theresa Metzler, nephews, Carl Metzler and Aaron Bridgman. He is survived by his best friend and wife of 16 years, Terry Metzler; brothers, Jim (Pam) Metzler, Dan (Peggy Broskie) Metzler, John (Susan) Metzler; sisters, Marilyn Metzler, Maureen Metzler, Melissa Metzler and Marie (John) Canning; stepchildren; grandchildren; numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, aunts and uncles.

Mike was born October 15, 1952 in Salamanca, NY. He attended Archbishop Walsh HS in Olean, NY where he won the Local Football Player of the Year Award. As a starting QB he went 27-0, a record that has never been matched. He went on to play at Tufts University graduating with a BA in literature. He got his M.Ed. in education from East Stroudsburg (PA) State College and PHD from The Ohio State University.

Over his long academic career, he taught at Iowa State University, Virginia Tech and Georgia State University. He was an incredibly productive scholar with numerous peer-reviewed publications, monographs and books. He was a Fellow of the National Academy of Kinesiology and was awarded the Luther Halsey Gulick Medal by SHAPE and The Ohio State University Career Achievement Award in 2020. An equally accomplished educator, Mike was a GSU Faculty Teaching Fellow in the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning and was the recipient of numerous teaching awards, including the University System of Georgia Board of Regents’ Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award and the College of Education Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award. The epitome of a Boyer Scholar, Mike also served as Department Chair and Associate Dean, co-founded and edited a disciplinary journal, edited two other journals, received the Distinguished Service Award and Presidential Award from the National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education and served on the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition Board. After retiring from GSU in December 2016 he returned to serve as the Associate Director for SoTL in the GSU Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.

He loved music, hiking, gardening, competing in chili cook offs, making salsa and spending time with family and friends.

Douglas, a Morgantown native, earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from WVU, in addition to a doctorate from The Ohio State University.

In 1972, he was named chair of the WVU Department of Physical Education. He later served as dean of the College and professor in the Sport Management program.

Since his retirement, Douglas had been a member of the College of Physical Activity and Sport Science’s Visiting Committee and has chaired both the Hall of Fame and Outstanding Alumni committees. In recognition of his service to the College, he is a member of its Hall of Fame and is a recipient of its Outstanding Alumnus award. His service to WVU included chairing the campus-wide United Way drive, serving as a member of the Athletic Hall of Fame Selection Committee and being named to search committees for hiring athletic directors, college deans and vice presidents.

In addition, he was an active member of the University’s Alumni Association, where he has served on its board of directors and has been president of the Emeritus Club. Douglas was also been active in the Morgantown community where he served on numerous boards of directors and was a member of the Morgantown Rotary Club for 33 years.

He was recognized for the development of physical education throughout the state and nation. In recognition of his service, scholarly publications, presentations and leadership offices held in professional organizations, he has received meritorious service, honor and distinguished achievement awards.

Compiled and written by Barry Lavay, Kathleen O’Connell, Jerry Polacek, Garth Tymeson, and Bill Vogler

Carl Eichstaedt, nationally recognized leader in adapted physical education (APE) passed away on October 9, 2022. He is preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Donna (2011). Carl is survived by his daughters Ann Dillenburg and Susie Ouderkirk, grandchildren; Gabriel Dillenburg, Cory Dillenburg, Carly Schultz Lanie Whelpley and Jackson Whelpley (passed in 2014), great grandchildren; Aidyn, Brynlee, Cooper, Hudson and sister-in-law Janet March Kruzel. Carl Eichstaedt grew up in Morgan Park, a suburb of Chicago and graduated from Morgan Park HS. He attended the University of Illinois at Navy Pier in Chicago and then transferred to Illinois State University (ISU) in Normal, Illinois where he earned a BS in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) in 1958 and an MS in Education Administration in 1962. In 1973, he received his Ph. D. from the University of New Mexico (UNM) in APE and Kinesiotherapy. This was followed by an outstanding 20-year career from 1973 to 1992 as a professor at ISU in the HPER Department teaching APE and directing the graduate program in APE teacher preparation.

Before becoming a distinguished professor at ISU, Carl had a very notable athletic career at many levels. In 1953 he signed a contract with the St. Louis Browns baseball organization and attended their spring training camp. As an undergraduate on an athletic scholarship at ISU, he was a two-time letter winner in football and baseball and named MVP of both teams in 1957. Carl was also a two-time all-conference college selection in baseball as a center fielder. In football he led ISU in rushing and was an All-Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference selection in 1957-58 as well as named to the first-team All-State College Football. Upon graduating from ISU, he became an assistant football coach at Rich East High School in IL. Two years later he moved to Deerfield High School, IL. as head baseball coach and assistant football coach from 1964-73. While at Deerfield High he began study on his PhD at UNM.

In 1973, Carl joined the ISU HPER department as a faculty member, where he was a nationally recognized teacher, author, researcher, and speaker regarding disability and physical education. Carl was the coauthor of two highly acclaimed APE textbooks. He coauthored with Len Kalakian, the very popular introduction to APE text titled, Developmental/Adapted Physical Education: Making Ability Count which is now in its 6th edition and authored by Horvat, Croce, Pesce, & Fallaize. He also coauthored with Barry Lavay, Physical Activity for Individuals with Mental Retardation: Infancy Through Adulthood, a specialized physical activity research to practice text that covered physical activity for people with intellectual disabilities throughout the life span. Carl’s primary research focus was health-related fitness testing and status for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID). Carl was one of the first professionals in the country to develop normative health-related fitness test scores for children with ID in IL using The American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD) Youth Fitness Test. In 1985 he coauthored the manual, Physical and Health Related Fitness Levels of Mild, Moderate, and Down Syndrome Students in Illinois by Eichstaedt, Polacek and Wang.

Carl’s extensive professional service included work with national organizations such as the National Consortium of Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities (NCPEID) and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAPHERD, now SHAPE). He was very active with Special Olympics International (SOI) and served on their Expert Advisory Committee. In 1977 he along with other faculty members were instrumental in having the SOI Illinois State headquarters and Summer Games moved to the ISU campus where it is still housed today.

In addition to his national professional service, Carl had significant impact on APE in his home state of Illinois. A major contribution was his role in the creation of the Illinois Coalition of APE (ICAPE) in the early 1980s with higher education colleagues such as Jim Horgan and Garth Tymeson. Carl was a founding board member, officer, and bylaws coauthor for ICAPE. His ICAPE activities included facilitating important collaboration with the Special Education Director of the Illinois State Board of Education (SEA). Illinois was one of the first states to have a separate APE Educator Licensure Approval and Carl was intimately involved in the development and implementation of this license. In addition, Carl was a coauthor of one of the first State Department of Education approved APE Q&A documents that was sent to all school districts in Illinois for guidance with PK-12 school administrators, teachers, related service personnel, and parents. This document had a major impact on the quality and quantity of physical education services to students with disabilities in Illinois.

However, perhaps Carl’s greatest contribution to the profession was the many APE professionals he prepared to effectively teach physical education to children with disabilities throughout his career at ISU. He consistently was awarded competitive grants from the US Department of Education – Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) to effectively prepare his graduate level university students who had a major impact on APE services nationally and in Illinois. Many of these teachers are still practicing in PK-12 schools.

Upon retiring from ISU in 1992 Carl moved to Las Cruces, NM and stayed active in the profession teaching part time in the PE departments at New Mexico State University and the University of Texas at El Paso. During his leisure time he very much enjoyed following his Chicago Cubs and Bears, playing golf, enjoying his dogs, cats, and horses and spending time with his wife, daughters, and grandchildren.

Ted A. Baumgartner, 82, of Athens, Georgia died Saturday, March 26, 2022 at his residence. He was preceded in death by his father, Frederic M. Baumgartner and mother, A. Marguerite Baumgartner. Survivors include his wife, Gloria Baumgartner of Athens, GA; children: Paula Baumgartner and Karla Baumgartner both of Athens, GA; siblings: William M. Baumgartner of Portland, OR, Karl H. Baumgartner of Houston, TX and Barbara M. Baumgartner MacAlpine of Estes Park, CO.

Ted A. Baumgartner was born in Cushing, OK on June 18, 1939. He spent his entire childhood in Stillwater, OK, graduating from Stillwater High School in 1957. Ted earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Oklahoma State University in 1961 and a Masters of Science degree from Southern Illinois University in 1962. He then taught in the public schools of Oklahoma for two years. He earned a Ph.D. degree from the University of Iowa in 1967. Upon graduation he married Gloria L. Cody from Humboldt, Iowa. Ted and Gloria were married for 54 years. In 1967 Ted joined the faculty at Indiana University and was promoted to the rank of professor in 1975. Ted joined the faculty at the University of Georgia in 1977 and retired in June of 2017 with an Emeritus status and 50 years of being a college professor in Exercise Science.

Ted had many noteworthy accomplishments in his life. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout by age 14. He co-authored two textbooks which were in the 9th and 5th editions when he retired as an author. Ted started the Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science Journal. He was elected to the American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education. He received three honor awards (1989, 1999, 2007 and the Life Time Achievement award (2008) from his national professional association. Ted was also the president of Athens Ballet Theater for 10 years.

Ted was also the founder of SHAPE America’s MPEES (Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science) Journal and the co-author of Conducting and Reading Research in Kinesiology, 6th Edition.

Mary Maitland “MM” Kimball’s professional awards during her teaching career include the:

Glenn W. Irwin, Jr. Experience Excellence Recognition to IUPUI award, 1987;

Dr. Robert Shellhamer Outstanding Educator award 1989-1990;

National Dance Association, President 1991-1993;

American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance Honor award, 1993;

Heritage Honoree award, 2000;

Spirit of Philanthropy, IUPUI, for “The Moving Company;” and was the Chairperson of the Committee to write national educational standards for dance “Goals 2000” for the National Dance Association 1992-1993.

William Earl (Bill) Noonan, Jr., age 95, a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, passed away on November 28, 2021. He was born in Beaumont, TX on 1/16/26, but was raised in Vinton, LA during his elementary and high school years. Bill was a retired educator, receiving his B.S. degree from Northwestern State University in 1946, his M.S. from LSU in 1950. In the period 1942-1946, Noonan earned sport letters at three universities: McNeese Jr. College (basketball), LSU (football), Northwestern University (football, basketball, track & field).

He taught at Leesville High School and then joined the faculty at Southeastern Louisiana University as Supervisor, Student Teaching in Math and Health & Physical Education. He served as State Director, Health & Physical Education and also as Specialist, Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics, U.S. Office of Education. Active in national and international activities, he served on a three-man team on President Kennedy’s Physical Fitness Council to conduct fitness clinics for the U.S. Air Forces in Europe in England, Germany, and Turkey and later directed a four-person team conducting clinics in Iran and Portugal for the American Council on International Sports.

Noonan served as President of the Louisiana Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation and the Society of State Directors for Health, Physical Education and Recreation of the U.S. and received the honor award from both organizations and the American School and Community Safety Association.

Our loving husband, dad, brother, grandpa, and friend passed away as the sun arose on Friday, October 22, at Wentworth At Coventry surrounded by his sweetheart of 53 years, and adoring son and daughter.

Keith was born on September 10, 1943, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Helen Louise Mott and Ralph William Henschen. At the tender age of six, Keith’s mother passed away, but he was blessed to be raised by his wonderful step-moother, Charlotte Eileen Dutt. One of Keith’s favorite childhood memories was becoming an Eagle Scout. He was a graduate of Northside High School class of 1961. He then attended Ball State Teacher’s College in Muncie, Indiana where he played basketball, graduated with a teaching degree, and met the love of his life, Julie Dee Zeigler. Keith then attended Penn State where he began his Master’s degree. Later, he earned his P.E.D. From Indiana University.

Keith and Julie were married in 1968, and after becoming members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, were sealed as a family in the Salt Lake City Temple in 1975. Keith was a devoted member of the church who loved to teach and serve.

Keith was a professor in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science at the University of Utah for 39 years (1971 – 2010) with an area of expertise in the psychological aspect of sport. He published over 200 articles, 40 chapters of books, five monographs, and co-authored five textbooks. He directed 53 doctoral dissertations and 23 masters thesis. At the time of his retirement, Keith had taught over 10,000 students. Keith has been a frequent research presenter and conference speaker having made over 500 presentations during his career. He served as president (1997-98) of the American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD). He was also elected as President (2001-2005) of the International Society of Sport Psychology (ISSP). He was the honored recipient of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (ASSP) “Coleman Griffin Award” in 2015 and the International Society of Sport Psychology (ISSP) “Distinguished International Sport Psychology Award” in 2017.

In the Sport world, “Hensch” or “Doc” was a pioneer in his field who consulted with numerous world class, professional, and elite level athletes, including five National Governing Boards (NGB’s) for the United States Olympic committee. He has been the Sport Psycholigist consultant for the United States Association for Track and Field (USATF), the United States Gymnastic Federation (USGF), the United States Skiing Association (USSA), and the United States Speed Skating Association (USSSA) – both long and short track. He has been on the staff for various teams at 10 different Olympic Games. Keith worked with numerous college and professional athletes in his private practice. He was also the Sport Psychology Consultant for the Utah Jazz for 29 years.

Keith had a way of relating to all levels of athletes that brought out the best of them. Some called it bringing out their “gold” both professionally and personally. He treated each athlete as an individual and valued their gift or talent, not their notoriety.

One of Keith’s most memorable personality trait was his funny, unique, and appropriately timed, quick witted humor. This was a quality that endeared him to his students, athletes and friends.

Keith was a strong, principled, forthright, dedicated, sensitive, loving and God-fearing man. He was one who always tried to do what was right but also a man who had his weaknesses.

Dr. Henschen, left a positive and influential imprint worldwide on the human race…especially in the Sport’s World. He truly made a significant difference in many lives and will be greatly missed. He leaves a giant void here on earth, but we know that he has been welcomed into the arms of our loving Heavenly Father. He has now been reunited with his dear mother who he has been waiting a long time to hug.

Keith is survived by his loving wife, Julie; children – Shane P. Henschen and Eschelle N. Lawrenson (Brett); 3 extraordinary grandsons: Braxton, Ryker, and Tayson Lawrenson; brothers, Ken and Bruce Henschen in Fort Wayne, Indiana, as well as many extended family members in Fort Wayne, Indiana and Reno, Nevada. He was proceeded in death by his parents, step-mother, brother (Ralph), in-laws, and dear friends.

Nicole Amy Peterson, 43, West Fargo, ND, died peacefully on July 16, 2021 in her home surrounded by family after a 20-year battle with a brain tumor.

Nikki was born on April 6, 1978 in Fargo, ND. She grew up in West Fargo, graduated from West Fargo High School in 1996, Concordia College (MN) in 2000 and got her Masters from North Dakota State University in 2015. During her first 2 years teaching in Henning, MN, Nikki met her husband, Trevor Peterson of Fargo, ND. She moved back to West Fargo in 2002 where she started teaching at West Fargo High School. Trevor and Nikki were married in 2003 and have lived in West Fargo since 2004. They have twin girls, Braelyn and Camryn. Nikki taught Physical Education and Dance at WFHS for 18 years before retiring due to health reasons in September 2020.

Nikki is survived by her husband, Trevor, and daughters Braelyn and Camryn; her parents, Richard Vetter and Mary Vetter; sisters Angie Vetter and Emily Vetter, sister Chrissy (Vetter) Wingert and brother-in-law Ed, nephews Noah, Quincy and Dexter; father and mother-in-law Ray and Vicki Peterson; sister and brother-in-law Jaime (Peterson) and Kris Dougherty, nephew Kellen and niece Zelia.

It is with sadness that we share the news that Professor Daryl Siedentop passed away on July 15, 2021. Our friend and colleague Daryl Siedentop was born on July 28, 1938.

The love of his life, Roberta (Bobbie) Siedentop, was a primary physical education teacher whom Daryl met while she was studying at Ohio State. They were happily married for 44 years, taking care of their many dogs, Bobbie’s horses, and their homes in Columbus and Pinehurst. In recent years, as Daryl’s health deteriorated and his memory failed him, Bobbie lovingly cared for him. Despite the challenges, she found ways to ensure his life was as comfortable, meaningful, and happy as his health circumstances allowed. She kept in touch with Daryl’s friends and former students and kept friends and colleagues abreast of their lives via Christmas cards, photos, emails, and phone calls. It has been her loving way of paying tribute to the joy Daryl got from connecting with, hearing from, and reading about the lives and achievements his former colleagues and doctoral students.

Daryl spent most of his professional career as a professor at The Ohio State University (OSU). While at the university, he recruited a team of young faculty, creating a powerful team of pedagogical teachers and researchers in physical education — which resulted in friendships that have lasted a lifetime. He was highly regarded for his outstanding leadership of and service to the College of Education at OSU, including being appointed senior associate dean of the College of Education and as interim dean of the College of Education.

After retiring, Daryl assumed initial leadership of OSU’s new P-12 Project, a university-wide outreach initiative to support urban school improvement in Ohio. In 2005, he accepted an appointment as research professor and director for the Teacher Quality Partnership, a consortium of Ohio’s 50 colleges and universities designed to enhance teacher quality and ensure highly qualified teachers in every classroom.

Daryl was one of the founding fathers of sport pedagogy in North America. His scholarly contributions to sport pedagogy and physical education teacher education, — in particular his mentorship of more than 80 doctoral students — leaves a legacy to our scholarly community. He was one of the world’s leading authorities on sport education for children and youth and is its most influential scholar in the analysis of teaching effectiveness in physical activity settings.

Daryl’s contributions to physical education cut across four key themes (Play Theory, Sport Education, Physical Activity Policy and the U.S. National Physical Activity Plan, and Physical Education Teaching and Teacher Education Research). His mentoring and research with colleagues and doctoral students brought him much pleasure and many lifelong friends. He so much enjoyed hearing of the achievements of those scholars, and several were privileged to co-author articles and textbooks with him.

In the early 1980s, Daryl created the Sport Education model, and published his first book on the subject, Sport Education, in 1994. He consulted in the 1980s with the New Ministry of Education in New Zealand as they introduced Sport Education as a cornerstone of their physical education curriculum. He is also the author of several books on physical education, curriculum planning, and sport coaching. In recognition of his scholarly contributions, Daryl was elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Physical Education in 1979 (later to be the National Academy of Kinesiology). He earned the 1984 International Olympic Committee President’s Award (Samaranch Award), which is the highest honor for work in sport pedagogy.

He was a highly sought-after and respected international keynote speaker and received numerous awards, including the Distinguished Alumni Award from Hope College (1991) and Indiana University (1995); the Curriculum and Instruction Academy Honor Award from the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) in 1994; the Alliance Scholar Award (1994) and C.H. McCloy Honor Award (1998) from American Alliance for Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD); induction into NASPE’s Hall of Fame in 2006; the Clarke W. Hetherington Award (2008); and AAHPERD’s highest honor, the Luther H. Gulick Award, in 2010.

Daryl retired from OSU in 2001 and was the recipient of the Ohio State Hall of Fame Award in 2006, a highlight for him, given his passion for and commitment to Ohio State over many decades. And in 2011, Hope College presented Daryl (as well as his brother Sir Larry Siedentop) with honorary doctoral degrees as alumni.

The countless awards and recognitions for Daryl’s achievements and accomplishments in the academy are a clear reflection of the impact he had on the field of physical education. He should, however, also be remembered for other aspects of his life. First, there was his boundless passion and love of sport. While never deifying it, he saw its value and importance as something that deserves to be preserved, supported, and enhanced. Second was the care and commitment he showed to his many students, colleagues, and friends. He managed to impact their scholarly practice and thinking in ways they could have never imagined before they met Daryl. His preference was always for quiet conversations about ideas, away from the crowds that invariably gathered around him. Those who were privileged to spend time with Daryl are left saddened by his passing.

Dr. Carol E. Gordon of Pullman, WA, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2021 at the age of 95 at Bishop Place. Carol was born in Lynn, Massachusetts, and, following her mother’s death during childbirth, was raised in Goffstown, NH by her grandparents, Charles and Isabella Ray, and her aunt Carolyn Worden. Carol enjoyed tagging along with Grandpa Charlie as their horse Chubby pulled the butcher cart along the delivery route. Her grandparents on the Gordon side owned a nearby apple orchard, and she was the chief of a crew of her childhood friends that her grandfather swore was the best crew of apple pickers he’d ever had. Carol was a violinist in her high school orchestra, and played on the girls’ basketball team, dismaying opposing teams with the accuracy of her two-handed set shot.

After graduating from Goffstown High School as the class valedictorian, she attended Oberlin College, graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1948. Carol taught in the physical education department at the University of New Hampshire from 1948-1954, and then attended the University of Utah where she chaired the Division of Physical Education for Women while earning her Ph.D. in Educational/ Counseling Psychology. In 1961, she completed her Ph.D. and was also named Faculty Woman of the Year. During those years at Utah, Carol took every opportunity to enjoy her remarkable downhill skiing skills on the slopes at Alta. From Utah, she moved on to Washington State University to serve as professor and chair of the Department of Physical Education for Women, a position she held from 1962 until her retirement in 1983. Carol’s teaching specialty was sport psychology, and in 1968 she was honored as the WSU Faculty Woman of the Year. She chaired the committee that oversaw the design and construction of WSU’s Physical Education Building. She also coached the women’s field hockey and tennis teams until 1966, and served as the Director of Athletics for Women from 1962-1975. Carol was inducted into the WSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2004.

Among her many roles with professional organizations, Carol served as president of both the Washington Association for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, and the Western Society for Physical Education for College Women. In 1973-74, Carol served as president of the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) which, as the women’s equivalent to the NCAA, functioned as the national governance organization for women’s intercollegiate athletics from 1972-1982. In her role as AIAW’s second president, Carol was highly instrumental in determining how the newly-enacted Title IX law prohibiting sex discrimination in educational institutions would be construed to apply to women’s intercollegiate athletics. Her influence has been documented in a book on the history of Title IX in college sports written by a former WSU doctoral student. She was also profiled in a 2009 book by Richard Lapchick titled 100 Trailblazers: Great Women Athletes who Opened Doors for Future Generations. In 1998, the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletic Administrators honored Carol with its Lifetime Achievement Award. For her significant contributions to WSU and to the growth of sports opportunities for girls and women, Carol was memorialized with an engraved plaque in the Pullman Walk of Fame sidewalk in downtown Pullman, WA.

While serving as president of the AIAW, Carol was invited by the NCAA to attend a meeting with prominent male coaches and NCAA administrators focused on resolving serious disagreements about how to implement Title IX, such as whether football should be included in the equity equation. Apparently, famous football player and big-time athletic director Elroy (Crazy Legs) Hirsch did not approve of gender equity in college sports, and (as the only woman present) Carol steadily and graciously faced him down. Penn State football coach Joe Paterno spoke up to support her, telling Hirsch that times had changed. To this day, friends wonder if the pink pantsuit that Carol wore to the meeting (because it was her favorite color!) helped or hindered the cause.

Carol was a dedicated supporter of the Pullman community – particular favorites were the Regional Theatre of the Palouse, the Washington/Idaho Symphony, the Museum of Art at WSU, and Pullman Regional Hospital. Additionally, thanks to her generosity, and that of her longtime companion, Dr. Mary Lou Enberg, WSU’s Sport Management Program hosts the annual Gordon/Enberg Speaker Series in Sport Studies.

One of Carol’s special gifts was her ability to bring out the best in everyone around her. Believing the best about each person, she inspired them to believe they could accomplish more than they had thought possible. Countless former students and faculty colleagues stayed in touch with Carol over the years, expressing gratitude for her leadership, wise counsel, and the profound impact she made on their lives and careers. To all of her many friends – know that your friendship was her greatest treasure. To our dear Carol – our hearts will be forever blessed by the memory of your beautiful smile.

Dorothy High, retired City of Scottsbluff Recreation Supervisor, died on November 19, 2020 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. She was a life member of AAHPERD.

She served as President of AALR in 1986-1987, President of the Central District AAHPERD in 1982-1984, and President of Nebraska AAHPERD in 1972-1973.

She received honor awards from AAHPERD in 1971, CDAAPERD in 1975, and NAHPERD in 1970. In 1996 she received the Outstanding Achievement Award from AALR.

In 2000 Dorothy was selected as one of 37 charter members of the North American Society of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sport and Dance Professionals.

Even as a child and adolescent, Fay was a competitive leader, organizing sports activities, playing tennis, softball, field hockey, and becoming the first female to be elected vice president of her high school student body. She was one of two females from the Philadelphia area selected to attend Duke University, where she pledged to Tri-Delta Sorority and had a triple major in Biology, English, and Physical Education. While at Duke, she met the love of her life, returning war hero and athlete, Bedford Biles. After her graduation they married on August 7, 1949.

Moving to Akron, Ohio, she taught at Coventry High School for five years. Pursuing her Master’s Degree at Kent State University, she quickly became an Instructor in the Physical Education Department, teaching for sixteen years, and coaching an undefeated female field hockey team. While teaching at Kent, she enrolled in Ohio State’s Doctoral Program, earning a multi-disciplinary Doctorate with a groundbreaking dissertation. Along with working on her doctorate, she did pioneer teaching using the medium of television, even bringing an elephant into the studio to make a point in one of her classes. She received the Distinguished Teaching Award at Kent State in 1970. Her passion for teaching physical education spurred her to direct the new PEPI (Physical Education Public Information) national project, traveling the country, speaking and appearing on national television programs.

Concluding that project, she once again broke the “glass ceiling” in 1972 when she was tapped by the new president of Kent State to become the first woman vice president of any Ohio university, and the first female in the country to hold the position of Vice President of Public Affairs and Development. This role proved to be critical in the history of KSU because of the tragic events of May 4, 1970. Raising the most funding of any predecessor, after holding the position of Vice President for six years, she resigned in 1978 to return to her professorship, retiring in 1985.

Fay was most proud of her association with the American Heart Association, as she developed the Jump Rope for Heart Program., which has now raised over $1.2 billion promoting heart health education and nutrition for elementary and high school students. She received the National Merit Award from the American Heart Association in 1988 for her work in helping reduce cardiovascular disease. An annual award is given in her name by AHA. A few of her numerous accomplishments include being named to the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame in 1986; serving as president of the American Association of Health, Physical Education, and Dance; serving on the United States Olympic Committee for 16 years; White House appointment to Sea Grant Review Panel; Keynote speaker in Israel for the World Congress of International Council of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation

Dr. Marian “Gabby” Kneer passed away peacefully on July 3rd in her home at Senior Star at Weber Place, Romeoville, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her parents Edwin and Gertrude (nee Kelch) Kneer, brothers Jack and Richard Kneer, and dear friend and professional colleague Dr. Helen Heitmann. She is survived by her sister Doris Oberle, brother Tom Kneer and many nieces and nephews.

Marian was born in Peoria, Illinois on March 8, 1924. She attended Peoria Woodruff High School, continuing her education at Illinois State University where she earned Bachelor and Master degrees in Education, Physical Education major. Marian later received a PhD. In Education at the University of Michigan.

Marian first taught physical education, becoming girl’s department leader at East Peoria High School from 1949 to 1969. From 1969 to 1988, Dr. Kneer taught at the University of Illinois Chicago, becoming Director of Graduate Studies in Physical Education, retiring as Professor Emeritus. Until 1995, she served as Director of Physical Education Continuing Education.

As a youth and while attending Illinois State University, Marian played on competitive girl’s teams of Basketball, Field Hockey and Softball. These early successful competitive experiences in girls sports, supported by her education, helped explain Marian’s passion to lead and help improve the profession.

Peorians remember Marian as an outstanding softball catcher, playing for the Caterpillar Dieselettes from 1943 to 1949. She was inducted into the Woodruff High School Hall of Fame, Illinois Softball Hall of Fame, Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame and Illinois Girls Coaches Association Hall of Fame. She co-authored with C. McCord a book “Softball-Fast and Slow Pitch” 7 updated editions. Marian is still remembered by campers and counselors for directing from 1956-69 Camp Tapawingo in the Bloomington-Normal area. In Pre-Title IX years (1972) Marian, in cooperation with women physical education leaders across Illinois, successfully convinced High School Principals to vote and add Girl’s Interscholastic Athletics to the governing body of the Illinois High School Association.

Throughout the state of Illinois, Marian became a strong and influential leader in promoting quality Physical Education programs in adding her expertise in Curriculum and Instruction. She was active in helping develop standards and evaluative criteria for Kindergarten to 12th grade curriculums. Marian became President of Illinois Association of Health Physical Education and Dance (IAHPERD) in 1972 but remained active, leading and serving. Her contributions, writings and service were acknowledged by high awards and honors. After she retired, Marian continued to consult and evaluate school districts concerning quality Physical Education programming. She authored over 70 articles. Marian co-authored the book with Helen Heitmann; “Physical Education Instructional Techniques: An Individualized Humanistic Approach”. She attended all state and national conferences and conventions, giving presentations and conducting workshops. Marian’s expertise, knowledge and leadership became a welcomed contribution to the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE), the organization that included all age levels, sport/athletics in schools, universities, and wellness activities for all ages. She became President of NASPE in 1986. Marian received several NASPE and AAHPERD awards. In 2004, at the AAHPERD national convention, Marian was inducted in the NASPE Physical Education Hall of Fame where she stated, “… I received my greatest honor. I felt honored and humbled.”

In 1999, Marian moved to the Carillon community in Plainfield, sharing the home with Helen Heitmann. Her new retirement lifestyle became socializing with friends and neighbors on the patio, playing golf, riding her bike through the community, traveling the world, spending winters in Florida, gardening and daily following her beloved Chicago Cubs. In 2017, Marian sold her house in Carillon, moving to Senior Star at Weber Place in Romeoville.

Marian always remained grateful and loyal to Illinois State University. The University and Athletic Department acknowledged her life contributions, honoring her with several honors. In 2016, she received The Golden Redbird Award. This award was given by the Athletic Department to a donor who has distinguished themselves as someone who has made a difference with their philanthropy, giving back, and supporting Illinois State Athletics. Marian financially donated funding to refurbish and upgrade the Women’s softball stadium, fields and facilities. Upon completion and dedication in 2009, the ISU Women’s Softball stadium is now named “The Marian Kneer Stadium.” Friends and family attended the dedication and watched Marian throw out the first pitch.

But the lifetime passion for the Chicago Cubs and “Maybe next year” talk finally came true for her in 2016 when the Chicago Cubs finally won the World Series.

A memorial service will be held at Anderson-Goodale Memorial Homes, in Plainfield, at a later date.

Cynthia ‘Cindy’ Wolford Symons died March 20, 2020 in Kent, Ohio. She was Professor Emerita from Kent State University. Cindy received her B.S. in Health and Physical Education from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania and her M.Ed. and D.Ed. from the Pennsylvania State University. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Richard Symons; her parents, Richard and Dottie Wolford; her sister, Amy; brother, Scott and nephews and nieces.

Cindy was a dominant contributor in the area of school health for over 30 years. An in-demand speaker, consultant and author, Cindy supported the health education profession and, ultimately, the health of thousands of school children and adolescents benefited from her professional contributions. Cindy served as President of the American School Health Association from 2001 to 2002. Among other publications, she co-authored a textbook that is used in many institutions of higher education. Her expertise was sought by state and federal agencies, school districts, non-governmental agencies and professional organizations. In addition to many other projects, Cindy participated in NCATE Board of Reviewers and the National Health Education Assessment Project, as well as reviewed submissions for numerous professional publications. She presented extensively at the national, state and local level. Ultimately, Cindy would want to be remembered for her commitment to teaching and mentoring. She received the Kent State ‘Distinguished Teaching Award’ in 1994 and spent a sabbatical returning to the elementary classroom. She is remembered as a committed and excellent educator and mentor.

Stevie Chepko was born on October 13, 1949, the daughter of Steve and Ida Chepko, in Morgantown, WV. She graduated from West Virginia University in physical education and later went on to earn her doctorate in curriculum and instruction and sport history from Temple University. Dr. Chepko began her long and distinguished career in higher education at East Carolina University as an instructor and coach. After earning her Ed.D., she was a professor at Castleton State College (VT), Salisbury State University (MD), and Springfield College (MA). Before assuming the role of assistant dean at the University of Nebraska, Omaha, she held positions as department chair at Winthrop University (SC) and senior vice president for accreditation at the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (Washington, DC).

Dr. Chepko was a nationally-recognized expert in physical education teacher preparation, accreditation, performance-based standards, and assessment in k – 12 schools. She chaired the task force that revised the National Standards for Initial Physical Education Teacher Education and was a member of the task force for the National Standards & Grade-Level Outcomes for K-12 Physical Education. Dr. Chepko was the recipient of numerous professional honors, including her national organization’s Honor Award and the Joy of Effort Award. She was selected as the Visiting Scholar for the 100th year of Women’s Basketball Celebration at Smith College (MA) and was chosen as an inaugural fellow in the North American Society of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sport and Dance. Dr. Chepko was inducted into both the West Virginia University College of Physical Activity and Sports Sciences Hall of Fame and the Castleton State Athletic Hall of Fame.

Dr. Chepko was an exceptional professional who will be remembered for her high standards and mentoring of students and colleagues. She was committed to her family and never lost her zeal for women’s athletics or sailing.

Dr. Chepko was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, B. J. Wilson-Coons. She is survived by her sister, Roslind Breit of Pawleys Island, SC. In addition to her sister, she is survived by nieces and nephews Beth Breit (Woodstock, GA), Amy Wilson (Hudson, NY), A. Thomas Breit (Emilie) (Lakeville, MN), Stephan (Julia) Breit (Baltimore, MD), and several grand nieces and nephews.

The family is in the process of forming the Dr. Stevie Chepko Foundation, which will offer grants to advance physical education and women’s sport. A celebration of Dr. Chepko’s life will be held on May 16, 2020 in Beaufort, NC. For more details, contact Roslind Breit at rozsbreit@gmail.com.

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of William “Bill” G. Anderson, truly a giant in our field. Dr. Anderson taught in Physical Education Curriculum and Instruction at Teachers College at Columbia University in New York City for 40 years establishing one of the premier PETE doctoral programs of the era. He also established a work/study program enabling Masters students to teach part time under master teachers during the day at local schools and study at night at Teachers College to refine their craft and/or obtain their teaching certification. This real life experience while concurrently studying pedagogy and curriculum was deeply valued by his students.

Bill supervised many doctoral students who became leaders in the field. With his doctoral students in 1973 he changed the study of teaching by developing the Teachers College Physical Education Video Data Base which was a collection of 30+ videotapes of real live physical education lessons which could be used to establish reliability on systematic coding systems. This led to an in-depth study of what actually happened in physical education classes. His text Analysis of Teaching and Learning in Physical Education was an elegant compilation of the systematic tools developed to study different aspects of teaching by his doctoral students. A second edition (2011) co-authored with Mary Lou Veal focused on resulting tools for teachers and pre-service teachers to use in reflecting on their own teaching.

An emphasis on establishing school/university partnerships for the purpose of improving educational practice led Bill to establish The Physical Education Program Development Center in 1980 (Anderson, 1988). This collaborative venture involving Teachers College and six affiliated school districts in Westchester County, NY demonstrated Bill’s commitment to teacher ownership of program development efforts and the involvement of University personnel as facilitators of those efforts. The work of the ‘Center’ continued for more than ten years.

Dr. Robert “Bob” Blackburn, age 86, died Thursday, November 28, 2019. As a very active professional member, Bob served as the Executive Director for NCAAHPERD-SM, in both a part-time and full-time position for many years. His tireless efforts (along with is wife Rose), help to create a high level of growth and security for this organization and laid the foundation for incredible membership growth in the period that followed.

A Gardner-Webb professor emeritus of health education, Dr. Bob is being remembered for his contributions to the University and to local, state and national organizations. Dr. Robert R. Blackburn, of Boiling Springs, passed away Nov. 28, 2019. He was a GWU professor for 24 years and Chairman of the Department of Health and Physical Education for 19 years.

Dr. Dee Hunt, vice president emerita of Student Development, noted that Blackburn’s influence in state and national health organizations is legendary. Blackburn hired Dr. Hunt in 1978 as an associate professor. She added, “I was a young professional, and he gave me confidence and all the support and encouragement I needed.”

A proponent of lifestyle fitness, Blackburn was also an avid golfer and a good dancer. Dr. Hunt said he taught her how to shag. “He was a kind man, a gentle soul,” she added.

In the spring of 2008, he was presented the Inaugural Dr. Robert Blackburn Advocacy Award by the NC- American Heart Association.

Memorials: Bob Blackburn Scholarship at the Association of North Carolina Boards of Health, 4172 Mill Creek Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27106.

As a passionate and knowledgeable teacher, Theresa connected with her students and developed a shared understanding and a strong mutual respect. After a wonderful 33-year career as an elementary Physical Education and Dance teacher, she enjoyed a second career teaching at Rowan University. Her creative and inclusive teaching fully prepared her elementary and university students. She was the first National Dance Educator of the Year (1989), recognized on the Rowan Teaching Wall of Fame, NJAHPERD Teacher of the Year (1984), NJAHPERD Higher Education Teacher of the Year (2014) and taught and choreographed for the American Repertory Ballet Company for 20 years.

Dr. Cone contributed valuable and ground-breaking scholarship in Interdisciplinary Education, Dance, Inclusive/Adapted Physical Education and Dance, and Motor Learning. She authored or coauthored books, chapters, and articles and presented at state, district, national, and international meetings. She served on the Beijing Sport University Adapted Physical Education/Physical Activity Online course project committee.

Theresa was a leader in her profession serving as NDA/AAHPERD (1994-95), Eastern District (1991-92), NJAHPERD (1987-89), and the Alliance for Arts Education (1991-93) President. She also served as JOPERD Policy Board Chair (1998-99), JOPERD Editorial Board (2006-09), Special Olympics NJ Trustee (2014-2017), and in numerous officer and committee roles. Her commitment to service was evident throughout her career.

Theresa Purcell Cone was recognized for her quality contributions to the profession with the AAHPERD (1992), EDA/AAHPERD (1991), and NJAHPERD (1992) Honor awards and the AAHPERD R. Tait McKenzie award (1995).

Tim enjoyed more than 40 years as a highly successful teacher, administrator and coach at Montclair State University, and during that time was recognized for his extensive work supporting individuals with disabilities.

Tim also served as president of NJAHPERD from 2004 to 2005. In addition, he started and chaired the technology committee and helped bring the association into the tech age, in addition to serving on many committees.

Tim Sullivan graduated from Cortland in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and health and earned a master’s degree from Ithaca College in 1967. A Brooklyn native and Saint Francis Prep alumnus, Tim transferred to Cortland from Arizona State University.

At Cortland, Tim Sullivan played center, linebacker and tight end during two varsity football seasons in 1963 and 1964. He also was a lacrosse defenseman for two seasons and a heavyweight wrestler for one year. He served as a football and lacrosse co-captain in his senior year, and played in the 1964 Division All-Star Football Bowl Game. Off the field, he was the Delta Kappa Fraternity House Director in 1964. In 2013, Tim Sullivan was inducted into SUNY Cortland C-Club Hall of Fame on September 21, 2013.

Tim Sullivan taught at Montclair from 1967 until his retirement in 2008. For 15 years, he served as the chair of the Department of Health Professions, Physical Education, Recreation and Leisure Studies. He also was Montclair’s head wrestling coach from 1967-72, with a 43-27 overall record, and the men’s lacrosse head coach from 1984-87. In addition, he was a football assistant coach from 1967-73. He served as offensive line coach when Montclair won the 1970 Knute Rockne Bowl for the NCAA Division II “East” national title.

Tim Sullivan directed the Special Olympics of New Jersey from 1974-76 and was inducted into the New Jersey Special Olympics Hall of Fame in 2008. He also directed Montclair State’s Special Needs Aquatic Program from 1975-2007 and the school’s Saturday Afternoon Special Activities Program, designed to meet the physical activity needs of children with developmental disabilities ages 6-18, from 1975-2004. Sullivan also represented the National Diffusion Network as a cadre team member of Project ACTIVE (All Children Totally Involved Via Equity) by offering workshops from Maine to Alaska from 1975-85

In 1995, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs gave Tim its highest honor, the Evelyn Aronow Dolan Citizens Award for Advocacy and Promotion of Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities.

On August 31, 2019, SHAPE America – Central District lost one of our most dedicated and passionate physical educators and leaders. Originally from Austin, Minnesota, Nancy Raso-Eklund coached and taught health, physical education, special education, and wellness at all levels for more than 45 years in Green River, Wyoming. Nancy had been the Central District Executive Director for the past 4 years. She was also the Executive Director of the Wyoming Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance for 23 years. In addition, Nancy was the Green River #2 district’s Wellness Director, PEP Grant Coordinator and most recently the state of Wyoming’s IHT Heart Rate Monitor Grant Coordinator.

In 1996, Nancy was recognized as the AAHPERD (SHAPE America) National Elementary Physical Educator of the Year and Disney Educator of the Year. In 2016, Nancy earned the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition’s Community Leadership Award. In 2017, I had the honor of presenting Nancy with the SHAPE America – Central District Mark Harvey Legacy Award, which acknowledges individuals who, by performance, style, humility and wisdom have personified the personal and professional attributes of the late great Dr. Mark L. Harvey of Colorado. In September 2019, Nancy was inducted into the Green River High School Hall of Fame where she coached swimming, basketball, and volleyball.

I first met Nancy as a member of SHAPE Colorado’s Executive Committee. Since then, Nancy and I have been recruited to participate in numerous local, regional, and national committees and initiatives. Nancy and I also engaged with many affiliated non-profit organizations boards and special events together. Some of these include; the President’s Youth Fitness Program Task Force, Let’s Move Active Schools Physical Activity Leadership Program, The Cooper Institute’s Fitnessgram Professional Development Task Force, and one of her absolute favorites, Physical Best Specialist Program. We attended many Gen-Youth, Fuel Up to Play 60 and Jump Rope for Heart events. We shared many ideas between the Colorado Governor’s Council for Active and Healthy Lifestyles and the Wyoming Governor’s Council for Physical Fitness and Sports. Her dedicated engagement with all of these activities provided her with a very broad perspective and valuable voice towards the advocacy and promotion of quality health and physical education programs locally, regionally and nationwide.

Nancy would greet everyone with a huge, bright, and caring smile. She considered everyone she would meet to be family and was a compassionate, trustworthy listener, and mentor to so many teachers nationwide. As an innovative planner and organizer, Central District and Wyoming health and physical educators benefited greatly from Nancy’s open door policy and networking abilities. She would bring in the nation’s very best speakers and presenters to their state and regional conventions as the convention manager.

Nancy had an “old school” work ethic and a “just get it done” attitude. She was “ALL IN” on every SHAPE America initiative placed in front of her by the national office. Every summer, Nancy would pack up her car to drive to attend nearly all of the Sally Scherrer Leadership Summits whether they were in Sioux Falls, SD or Mahoney State Park outside Omaha, NE. We would spend hours on the phone brainstorming ideas for the implementation of a variety of initiatives. Nancy would often drive six hours to Morrison, CO to babysit and spend time with her grandchildren. While in the Denver area, she would often call me to get together for an impromptu Central District meeting. These meetings would usually begin with her sharing all the activities that her family and grandchildren were participating in at the time. We would then review and visit the next steps for our strategic plan and/or future effort implementations. We would brainstorm ideas and when we thought of a good one, Nancy would light up and say, “I love that, let’s do it!” She believed as a professional educator, engagement in our professional organizations and conventions were something that should be expected of everyone and the sky was the limit for new ideas. Nancy would often revisit and remind me of past ideas and ask, “can we do it now?” During many of these meetings with Nancy two words would usually come up in our conversations, “moving forward”. As a result, #MovingForward became the theme for my SHAPE America – Central District Presidency and the 14th Annual Sally Scherrer Leadership Summit.

As such a strong advocate for quality health and physical education programs, Nancy was a regular attendee at SHAPE America’s Speak-Out day, most of the time as the sole representative from Wyoming. Gay Hughes of Wyoming has stated, “Nancy is the face of Wyoming AHPERD. She is devoted to the cause of advocating for physical education like no one else in the state of Wyoming.” Nancy and Gay were Co-Convention Managers for the 2013 Central District Convention. Nancy often carried with her bookmarks and cards from the keynote speaker James P. Owens, who is the author of the bestselling books The Code of the West-Cowboy Ethics, Cowboy Values and The Try, Reclaiming the American Dream. Nancy would often hand out the bookmarks to the many new friends she would make at SHAPE America events because she lived and believed in the values they included so strongly. #MovingForward we should keep these values in mind in honor of Nancy for our professions future efforts!

The Code of the West – Cowboy Ethics:

1. Live Each Day with Courage
2. Take Pride in Your Work
3. Always Finish What You Start
4. Do What Has To Be Done
5. Be Tough, But Fair
6. When You Make A Promise, Keep It
7. Ride For The Brand
8. Talk Less And Say More
9. Remember That Some Things Aren’t For Sale
10. Know Where To Draw The Line

The Try, Reclaiming the American Dream – Steps to Success:

1. Start with a Dream
2. Turn Your Dream Into A Measurable Goal
3. Create A Game Plan and Timetable
4. Make a Commitment
5. Take Full Responsibility
6. Expect Adversity
7. Give It 110%

Carolyn obtained her Doctorate of Education at Columbia University Teachers College in Curriculum and Teaching. Her research and presentations focus on the coordinated approach to health and wellness in schools and more specifically, the integration of physical fitness education into K-12 school districts.

Many presentations and her research have taken her throughout the United States, China, and Singapore. She wrote several articles on the development and teaching of physical fitness curricula. She co-authored a fitness activities book called Achieving Fitness and Adventure Activities and developed the Physical Best Activity Guides and several chapters in the Secondary Education Book in conjunction with the National Association for Physical Education and Sport (NASPE). Also, she chaired several national committees, including the Physical Best Committee for NASPE. She also served on the Public Relations Committee for NASPE and held the office of President of the New Jersey Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (NJAHPERD) in 1994-1995. Carolyn received several awards throughout her professional career, including the Honor Award from NJAHPERD and two NJAHPERD Teacher of the Year Awards (Higher Education and Elementary PE).

Dr. Jere Dee Gallagher passed away on Tuesday, August 20, 2019. Jere was and emeritus faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh School of Education for more than 33 years. Most of her time in Pitt’s School of Education was spent as part of their Health and Physical Activity faculty and then later serving as associate dean who at various times provided leadership for academic affairs, student services, research and faculty development. Jere became an emerita faculty member in September 2014 and stayed active with the school in many ways including a member of the School of Education Alumni Society Executive Committee.

During her time in Pitt’s School of Education, Jere worked with many students, faculty and staff, however one of her most passionate initiatives was creating the Kinder Kinetics Program in the Health and Physical Activity Department. The Kinder Kinetics Program was aimed at keeping young children active during the summer and providing them with opportunities to learn how to move effectively and gracefully. The program was highly regarded by parents and their children, and it gave kids something that is sometimes hard to find in an urban environment, coached and socially safe opportunities to be active and become more confident in their physical capabilities.

Since her retirement, the Health and Physical Activity faculty and staff honored Jere for her vision, leadership and service, by renaming the program “Pitt’s Kids: Honoring the Vision of Dr. Jere Gallagher”.

Services for Jere were held at the University of Pittsburgh’s Heinz Chapel on Wednesday, August 28, 2019.

Dr. Darden held an A.B. degree in Biology from Lincoln University, an M.A. degree in Science Education and the Ed. D. degree in Health Education from New York University. A Fellow of the American School Health Association (ASHA), Dr. Darden served as a member of its Governing Council and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Association for the Advancement of Health Education (AAHE of AAHPERD). Dr. Darden was also a member of the Editorial Board of ASHA’s Journal of School Health and of the Advisory Board of Health Education, the journal of AAHE. Dr. Darden developed and taught courses in Sex Education/Human Sexuality at Kean College where he was a Professor of Health Education and Coordinator of Health Education.

For a number of years, he was also an Adjunct Professor of Health Education at Wagner College (Staten Island, New York), and taught graduate courses in Adolescent Sexuality for both Rutgers University and Montclair State College. Periodically, he appeared as a panelist on radio and television programs about sex education/family life education. In 1981, he was a member of the Family Life Education Curriculum Guidelines Committee of the New Jersey State Department of Education. During the fall of 1984, he co-produced “Sex Education Awareness,” four half-hour programs for Cable TV in Eatontown, NJ.

His honors include the Distinguished Service Award (American School Health Association, 1971); the Honor Fellow Award and the Distinguished Leadership Award (New Jersey AHPERD, 1972, 1975); Honor Award (New Jersey Health Education Council, 1975); Honor Award and Outstanding College/University Teacher of the Year (Eastern District Association, AAHPERD, 1976, 1983); Honor Award (American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, 1985); and the Outstanding Achievements in Education Award (National Association of Negro Business & Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc., North Jersey Unit, 1985). One of the first selected for “Who’s Who in Health Education in the Eastern District Association, AAHPERD,”. Darden was also listed in Who’s Who in the East and Who’s Who among Black Americans. He was a Certified Sex Educator, credentialed by the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists.

He continued to teach health and sex education as a tenured professor at Kean University until he retired. In addition to excelling academically, Dr. Darden served in the army during World War II as a master sergeant. He was also a leader and a lifelong member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.