Bowling Green State University Athletics
Hall Of Famer/Former AD Jack Gregory Passes Away
December 05, 2014 | General
Bowling Green, Ohio - The Bowling Green State University Department of Athletics mourns the passing of former Athletics Director Jack Gregory on Thursday, Dec. 4. Gregory served as the leader of the department for 12 years until his retirement in 1994 and was inducted into the BGSU Athletics Hall of Fame the same year.
"Jack Gregory was an 'old school' athletic administrator," Ron Zwierlein, who succeeded Gregory as athletics director at BGSU, said. "He was highly respected within the profession for his common sense approach to complex athletic issues. He was a coaches' AD and a champion for student-athletes' academics and wellness. Jack knew everyone among the 'who's who' in college athletics. If you were interested in a position at another school or looking to schedule a contest, Jack could pick up a phone and make that connection. He was also a mentor to many young, upcoming professionals who are seated ADs. Jack will truly be missed. Today's athletics world needs more Jack Gregorys!"
Gregory graduated from East Stroudsburg University in 1952 and served as his alma mater's head football coach, as well as a scout for the Green Bay Packers and associate athletics director at Yale. In fact, the football field at East Stroudsburg is named Gregory-Douds Field after Jack and another ESU coach, Denny Douds.
"Jack was a true professional in all he did around the athletics arena," Fran Voll, who coached the BGSU women's basketball team during Gregory's tenure, said. "Anyone who worked with Jack picked up his wonderful traits that made him a true educator in every way. He always put the student first and wanted the best for his Falcon family. He was a great man!"
During his tenure, BGSU teams won league regular season or tournament titles 24 times in nine sports. In addition, Bowling Green's teams earned 28 postseason appearances in that time span, with four of those at home, including two home court berths by the women's basketball team in the NCAA Tournament. Gregory was the Athletics Director during arguably the finest moment in BGSU athletics history, the 1984 NCAA hockey national championship. That remains as the only NCAA team championship in BGSU history.
The Landsdowne, PA. native also had a hand in improving the athletic facilities at BGSU as well as the academic areas for the student-athletes. All BGSU athletes benefit from the addition of the Fitness Center and the Bowling Green University Field House.He was also the first athletics director in the MAC to appoint an academic coordinator. His decision paid off, with BG athletes earning national academic honors 22 times in the next seven years.
"We are saddened to hear the news of the passing of Jack," Danny Schmitz, who was hired by Gregory as BGSU's baseball coach and still serves in that role today, said. "He is the one who stamped the word FAMILY within our department. Those who knew Jack and his wife Peg were truly blessed. They loved BGSU and bled brown and orange. My wife Cindy and I are so grateful for everything Jack has done for our family. He gave a young coach an opportunity 25 years ago. Jack and Peg will forever hold a special place in our hearts."
A viewing will take place Thursday at the Maris Grove Chapel in Glen Mills, Pa. Funeral services will be held Friday at St. Cornelius Catholic Church in Chadds Ford, Pa. at 10 am.
"Jack Gregory was an 'old school' athletic administrator," Ron Zwierlein, who succeeded Gregory as athletics director at BGSU, said. "He was highly respected within the profession for his common sense approach to complex athletic issues. He was a coaches' AD and a champion for student-athletes' academics and wellness. Jack knew everyone among the 'who's who' in college athletics. If you were interested in a position at another school or looking to schedule a contest, Jack could pick up a phone and make that connection. He was also a mentor to many young, upcoming professionals who are seated ADs. Jack will truly be missed. Today's athletics world needs more Jack Gregorys!"
Gregory graduated from East Stroudsburg University in 1952 and served as his alma mater's head football coach, as well as a scout for the Green Bay Packers and associate athletics director at Yale. In fact, the football field at East Stroudsburg is named Gregory-Douds Field after Jack and another ESU coach, Denny Douds.
"Jack was a true professional in all he did around the athletics arena," Fran Voll, who coached the BGSU women's basketball team during Gregory's tenure, said. "Anyone who worked with Jack picked up his wonderful traits that made him a true educator in every way. He always put the student first and wanted the best for his Falcon family. He was a great man!"
During his tenure, BGSU teams won league regular season or tournament titles 24 times in nine sports. In addition, Bowling Green's teams earned 28 postseason appearances in that time span, with four of those at home, including two home court berths by the women's basketball team in the NCAA Tournament. Gregory was the Athletics Director during arguably the finest moment in BGSU athletics history, the 1984 NCAA hockey national championship. That remains as the only NCAA team championship in BGSU history.
The Landsdowne, PA. native also had a hand in improving the athletic facilities at BGSU as well as the academic areas for the student-athletes. All BGSU athletes benefit from the addition of the Fitness Center and the Bowling Green University Field House.He was also the first athletics director in the MAC to appoint an academic coordinator. His decision paid off, with BG athletes earning national academic honors 22 times in the next seven years.
"We are saddened to hear the news of the passing of Jack," Danny Schmitz, who was hired by Gregory as BGSU's baseball coach and still serves in that role today, said. "He is the one who stamped the word FAMILY within our department. Those who knew Jack and his wife Peg were truly blessed. They loved BGSU and bled brown and orange. My wife Cindy and I are so grateful for everything Jack has done for our family. He gave a young coach an opportunity 25 years ago. Jack and Peg will forever hold a special place in our hearts."
A viewing will take place Thursday at the Maris Grove Chapel in Glen Mills, Pa. Funeral services will be held Friday at St. Cornelius Catholic Church in Chadds Ford, Pa. at 10 am.
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