Charlie Gray to be Inducted Into Blackburn College Hall of Fame
Dr. Charles Gray, Alma College Professor Emeritus of Exercise and Health Science, will be inducted into the Blackburn College Athletics Hall of Fame in October.
Gray, who served at Blackburn from 1952-63, will be the 34th inductee into the Hall. He was nominated by Pete Hughes, himself a Blackburn Athletics Hall of Fame member, who remains the school's all-time leading scorer in basketball during a career spanning from 1954-58 and who was coached by Gray. Under Gray's leadership, many varsity sports were added, including men's soccer, which began in 1954.
Gray was also noted for his exemplary character and sportsmanship, as well as his firm belief that academics should always come before athletics. Known as being ahead of his time, Gray was also extremely progressive in his support of women's athletics and racial integration.
A lifelong educator, Gray lives in Alma, where he continues to teach at Alma College. He also sits on the selection committee of that school's athletic Hall of Fame.
At Alma, he is credited with starting the exercise and health science program that has grown over the years into one of the more popular majors. As track and cross country coach, his teams won eight conference and two regional championships and produced six All-America athletes. From 1965-93, Dr. Gray's various positions included athletic director, physical education then exercise and health science department chair, and basketball, track and cross country coach.
Gray will be honored at halftime of the Homecoming football game at Blackburn on October 7.
Posted: Fri, June 9th, 2006 at 2:08PM
