Washington University’s Sports Hall of Fame Class now boasts a 10th member in the Class of 2006—Director of Athletics, John Schael. Surrounded by many friends and family, including Schael’s wife, Linda, and daughter, Erin, Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton made the surprise announcement near the end of the 12th Hall of Fame ceremony held on the Danforth Campus on Friday morning.
“It was an incredible surprise,” said Schael. “It’s been a team effort when you take a look at the success within the Washington University athletics department. The thing I am most proud of in my 29 years as Director of Athletics is the human resources that we have within our department. All of our staff work together and have a good focus on the future of Washington University athletics.”
Schael joins nine former student-athletes in the Class of 2006: women’s basketball’s Alia Fischer Keys (Class of 2000), football’s Paul Isham (Class of 1962), men’s basketball’s Ron Jackson (Class of 1965), women’s soccer’s Lori Thomas Khazen (Class of 1999), men’s soccer’s Matt Klosterman (Class of 1981), volleyball’s Jennifer Martz (Class of 1999), football and baseball’s Don Schlapprizzi (Class of 1957), men’s tennis’s Duncan Seay (Class of 1988) and wrestling’s Jess Yawitz (Class of 1968).
“John Schael is a most deserving member of the Washington University Athletics Hall of Fame,” said Wrighton. “He has built a program of national importance that has also remained focused on strengthening the student experience at Washington University. John has been a great advocate for enhancing opportunities in athletics and physical fitness for all members of the Washington University community.
“John is a great leader, an effective administrator, and key contributor to the advancement of the University. We are fortunate to have such a distinguished and dedicated Director of the Department of Athletics.”
In 29 years as Director of Athletics, Schael built and orchestrated a program that made Washington University in St. Louis into one of the most respected universities in Division III. Since his arrival in 1978, Washington University has garnered 115 NCAA tournament appearances, 114 University Athletic Association (UAA) titles and 12 national championships.
In 1981, he resurrected the men’s basketball program after a 10-year hiatus, and he was a champion for women’s sports, shepherding new programs in cross country (1979), basketball (1980), indoor track and field (1987), soccer (1989) and softball (2000). Schael, who is also a member of the Miami University (Ohio) Athletic Hall of Fame, was involved in the construction and renovation of new athletic facilities in the 1980s at a cost of nearly $15 million.
In 1986, Schael, along with other WU administrators, played a key role in the formation of the UAA, one of the premier athletic conferences for scholar-athletes. He was instrumental in the creation of the W Club in 1989 and in the establishment of the Washington University Sports Hall of Fame in 1992.
“I thought when I first came to Washington University I would be here for five or six years,” said Schael. “What happens is that you develop a strong love and affinity, and you start building a program that moves forward each and every year.”
Some of Schael’s more recent accomplishments include the development of the McWilliams Fitness Center in 1995, the Washington University Hall of Champions in 2002, the installation of FieldTurf on Francis Field in 2004, and the renovation of the Tao Tennis Center in 2006. Schael’s commitment to athletics is further exemplified by the growth of his staff: from six full-time employees in 1978 to 38 in 2007.
“I am very pleased that Washington University surprised John with this well-deserved honor,” said Justin Carroll , Assistant Vice Chancellor for Students and Dean of Students. ” John is responsible for making the University’s intercollegiate athletics one of the most admired and most successful NCAA Division III programs in the country.
“In 1978 when John arrived, he charted a new course for our athletic program. Because of his leadership, vision and commitment, the experience for thousands of our student-athletes has been significantly enhanced during John’s 29-year tenure as Director of Athletics. John’s induction into the Sports Hall of Fame solidifies his place as one of Washington University’s greatest citizens.”
The 2006 Hall of Fame class will be recognized at halftime of the women’s basketball game against Brandeis University at 6 p.m. tonight. With the addition of the 2006 class, the WU Sports Hall of Fame boasts 122 members.