A Schuylkill County man and former President of the Schuylkill League is set to receive a new award from Kutztown University.
On Friday, The Kutztown University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced a new award beginning in 2019.
The inaugural Kutztown University Athletics Legacy Award will be presented to an individual(s) who has made a significant contribution to the Kutztown University athletic department and the university through their time, dedication, commitment, philanthropy and/or general support.
The 2019 Kutztown University Athletics Legacy Award will be presented to KU Council of Trustee member Mr. John "Jack" Wabby '68, of Pottsville, at the university's Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Friday, Nov. 8.
Wabby, a member of the 1977 inaugural KU Athletics Hall of Fame class, has served on the KU Council of Trustees since 1992, including two terms as chairman. He is a long-standing supporter of the KU athletics department, a donor and one of the founding members of the Golden Bear Football Legacy Club.
"Jack has been a tremendous supporter and advocate for our athletic department at the highest level," KU athletic director Greg Bamberger said. "Not only is he a donor and helped build our Legacy Club program, he has served the university for nearly 30 years on the Council of Trustees and has continued to voice his support for our department. Every time he is on campus, Jack makes a point to stop by my office and ask, 'how are you doing, and what do you need'. Jack has helped us build one of the most successful athletic programs in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) and we are extremely grateful for his continued leadership and support."
Wabby was a member of the PIAA District 11 Committee from 1978 until 2012, serving as chairman the last 19 years. He was a member of the PIAA Board of Directors from 1993 until 2012, serving as treasurer the last nine years. In addition, he was president of the Eastern Football Conference steering committee from 1983-2003, and Schuylkill League president/vice-president from 1977-2004. He is currently serving as the second vice president on the Pennsylvania Association of Councils of Trustees (PACT).
Having recently celebrated his 50th class reunion at KU, Wabby had a long career in education after earning his bachelor's degree in special education for the visually handicapped from KU and completing an M.S. in education at Bucknell University. He taught in his native Saint Clair and Danville school districts and was assistant principal at Williams Valley High School, and principal at Saint Clair and Blue Mountain high schools.
A four-year letterman at KU, Wabby was an all-conference defensive back, team captain and Defensive MVP for the Golden Bears.
Wabby and his wife, Ariene, have four daughters --Deniece, Brenda, Caroline and Jennifer, a Golden Bear women's basketball alumna-- and eight grandchildren: Jacob, Jon, Padraig, Jackie, Victoria, Rod, Jo and Lilah.
Wabby is the inaugural recipient of the Kutztown University Legacy Award. Honorees may be nominated by the public, the Golden Bear community and the selection committee. The selection committee consists of KU's vice president for Athletics, executive director of the Kutztown University Foundation, Hall of Fame committee chair, athletic director, director of Athletic Advancement and a representative of the Alumni Relations staff.
The 2019 Kutztown University Athletics Legacy Award will be presented to KU Council of Trustee member Mr. John "Jack" Wabby '68, of Pottsville, at the university's Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Friday, Nov. 8.
Wabby, a member of the 1977 inaugural KU Athletics Hall of Fame class, has served on the KU Council of Trustees since 1992, including two terms as chairman. He is a long-standing supporter of the KU athletics department, a donor and one of the founding members of the Golden Bear Football Legacy Club.
"Jack has been a tremendous supporter and advocate for our athletic department at the highest level," KU athletic director Greg Bamberger said. "Not only is he a donor and helped build our Legacy Club program, he has served the university for nearly 30 years on the Council of Trustees and has continued to voice his support for our department. Every time he is on campus, Jack makes a point to stop by my office and ask, 'how are you doing, and what do you need'. Jack has helped us build one of the most successful athletic programs in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) and we are extremely grateful for his continued leadership and support."
Wabby was a member of the PIAA District 11 Committee from 1978 until 2012, serving as chairman the last 19 years. He was a member of the PIAA Board of Directors from 1993 until 2012, serving as treasurer the last nine years. In addition, he was president of the Eastern Football Conference steering committee from 1983-2003, and Schuylkill League president/vice-president from 1977-2004. He is currently serving as the second vice president on the Pennsylvania Association of Councils of Trustees (PACT).
Having recently celebrated his 50th class reunion at KU, Wabby had a long career in education after earning his bachelor's degree in special education for the visually handicapped from KU and completing an M.S. in education at Bucknell University. He taught in his native Saint Clair and Danville school districts and was assistant principal at Williams Valley High School, and principal at Saint Clair and Blue Mountain high schools.
A four-year letterman at KU, Wabby was an all-conference defensive back, team captain and Defensive MVP for the Golden Bears.
Wabby and his wife, Ariene, have four daughters --Deniece, Brenda, Caroline and Jennifer, a Golden Bear women's basketball alumna-- and eight grandchildren: Jacob, Jon, Padraig, Jackie, Victoria, Rod, Jo and Lilah.
Wabby is the inaugural recipient of the Kutztown University Legacy Award. Honorees may be nominated by the public, the Golden Bear community and the selection committee. The selection committee consists of KU's vice president for Athletics, executive director of the Kutztown University Foundation, Hall of Fame committee chair, athletic director, director of Athletic Advancement and a representative of the Alumni Relations staff.
Information posted from a Kutztown University Press Release