2014 lycoming college fall magazine

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or nearly four decades, Budd
Whitehill gave all his time and energy
to the students of Lycoming College. He
spent his career as a head wrestling coach,
becoming a nationally recognized hall
of famer for his success with Lycoming’s
mat men. Budd also coached baseball and
football while educating and mentoring
thousands of students as an assistant
professor of physical education.
So, when it came time for the college
to recognize Whitehill for all his
contributions, it’s no surprise that a dedicated group
of alumni stepped forward to lead the Budd Whitehill
Tribute project.
In the fall of 2012, the Lycoming College Athletics
Department recognized the 50 th anniversary of the
school’s first MAC title won by the 1962 wrestling team,
at the annual Hall of Fame banquet. After the event,
the galvanized group of alumni quickly asked Hall of
Fame head coach Roger Crebs how they could help the
program while honoring Whitehill.
The Budd Whitehill Endowed Fund for Wrestling—
which was established before Whitehill’s passing—was
the obvious vehicle. The Fund will ensure a quality
wrestling program for generations, and Coach Crebs’
focus for the fund monies has been on hiring and
retaining quality assistant coaches.
With a goal in mind of raising $250,000 to enhance
the endowed fund, Bill Bachardy ’66, Mel Fleming ’68,
Dave Fortin ’65, Bill Kehrig ’62, Rod Laub ’64 and Lee
Wolfe ’63 quickly formed a committee to take action.
After the committee made leadership commitments to
honor Whitehill, the group began seeking contributions
from fellow alumni. With partnership from the college
administration and Board of Trustees, the project
accelerated.
In just over a year, the group raised the full
$250,000. A key outcome of the fundraising effort was
the recognition of Whitehill for his contributions to
Lycoming College, which came in the form of a relief
plaque that now rests in the Lamade Gym lobby. It was
dedicated at the 2014 Budd Whitehill National Duals,
Pictured fromleft to right are Billy Gutermuth ’64; Chip Edmonds ’98,
vice president for college advancement; Bill Kehrig ’62; Rod Laub
’64; Bill Bachardy ’66; Dave Fortin ’65; Lee Wolfe ’63; President Kent
Trachte; Greg Bell ’99, senior major gift officer. Not pictured is Mel
Fleming ’68.
a 20-team wrestling tournament, held annually in
Lamade Gym in Whitehill’s honor.
“It was an excellent experience teaming up with
fellow alumni, coaches and the school’s development
staff to honor the memory of Budd. While staying
consistent with Budd’s intent and following the
college and NCAA parameters, we pulled together on
the Whitehill Endowed fund guidelines to be more
responsive to the wrestling program’s current needs.
We were able to more than double the fund, enabling
current head coach, Roger Crebs, to obtain additional
assistant coaching support. I couldn’t be more pleased
with how it all worked,” said Lee Wolfe.
The immediate impact for the wresting program will
be significant. With the goal achieved, Crebs will be
able to hire the first full-time assistant wrestling coach
in the history of the program in the near future.
Dave Fortin ’65 added, “This project proved that
an alumni idea and effort can really produce positive
results. We just got things started, rallied together, and
the rest fell into place. I thank everyone involved—the
alumni and the college—for making this project and
dedication so special to all who knew Budd.”
If you would like to contribute to the Budd Whitehill
Endowed Fund or would like to learn about other ways
to get involved at Lycoming College, please contact
Greg Bell, senior major gift officer, at 570-321-4395 or at
. •
BAND TOGETHER
TO HELP PROGRAM
F
WRESTLING ALUMNI
By Joe Guistina
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T H E CO L L E G E