WCU PE History                      

Brownie Points How old is West Chester’s PE program? 1889 to Today

1871 First formal PE classes were conducted by Mrs. Ann Morris, wife of Normal School principal.

1889 Principal of the Normal School, Dr. George Philips commissioned the construction of a new gymnasium. During that same time period Dr. Philips announced the creation of the department of physical training and introduced its new directors Dr Ehinger and his wife Ella. These two events mark the beginning of a formal department of physical education at West Chester University.

Dr. Ehinger and his wife served as co-directors of the physical training department for thirty years

Dr. Ehinger and his wife introduced yearly Gymnastics demonstrations in 1892, wrestling 1892, Women's Tennis 1892, Bicycling 1893, Boxing 1894, Swimming 1894, Annual Men's Field Sports Day 1894, Men's Athletic Association 1895, Women's Golf 1898, Men's Basketball 1898, Men's Gymnastics Team 1899, Women's Track and Field 1910, Compulsory Swimming for women 1914

1926 First degrees in health education were awarded

1950 Dr. Sturzebecker was appointed director of H&PE. Over the next 20 years under Dr. Sturzebecker's leadership added programs in Safety Education, Health, Recreation, Physical Education for the Disabled, and Graduate Studies.

1961 West Chester State Teachers College and the Department of Health and Physical Education gained national recognition when the Russian gymnastics team came to West Chester to compete against the USA

1971 As the university expanded, became part of the State System of Higher Education (SSHE), and enrollment increased, buildings and playing fields were lost. To compensate, South Campus was built and later renamed Sturzebecker HSC.

1990’s Faculty of the Physical Education Department voted to change its name to the Kinesiology Department. This action was taken in light of the change in programs other than teacher certification, changes in the University and Department mission, and national trends

West Chester University -- 125 Years Campus - Aerial View - 1936 Old Main: The large "T" shaped structure in the photograph. The top of the "T" is facing High Street. Old Main was demolished in the Fall of 1971 Philips Memorial Building: The large structure on the right side of the photograph. Recitation Hall: The structure opposite the base of the "T". Old Library: The structure to the left of Recitation Hall Model School: The structure to the right of Recitation Hall. The building is now known as Ruby Jones Hall Old Gymnasium: The structure between Recitation Hall and the North Wing (right side) of Old Main. The Old Gymnasium was demolished in the Fall of 1971.

Summary document