WESTFIELD, Mass. – Westfield State College celebrated the naming of the “Jerry Gravel Track” on Saturday, April 25, as the track dedication in the name of the college’s longtime head coach preceded the current team’s victories in the MASCAC Championship meet.
More than 150 alumni, family and friends joined in for the track dedication, as coach Gravel, his wife Joan, and a number of family members were welcomed back by master of ceremonies Dick Lenfest, Westfield State’s director of athletics.
College president Evan Dobelle provided a welcome from the college, before turning the microphone over to Dr. Carol Persson, Westfield State’s vice president of enrollment management and a longtime colleague of Gravel’s in the movement science department.
“Jerry Gravel … coach, teacher, mentor, role model, colleague, friend, husband, father, grandfather, brother … today we honor the man who has touched our lives in one or more of these roles,” said Persson.
She noted that the naming of the track was particularly appropriate, as many of the alumni in attendance had trained in the parking lots or steam tunnels on campus. When coach Gravel arrived at Westfield State in 1969, the campus did not have a track.
Quoting Calvin Coolidge, Persson added, “‘No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.’ Jerry, you have given - and continue to give - much … to your athletes, your fellow coaches, your students and colleagues, your friends and family, and to Westfield State College.”
Alumnus Kevin Dalton ’77, speaking on behalf of all the alumni in attendance, noted the strong impact Gravel had on his students and athletes. “Coach, you have done what you taught us to do, you have succeeded in life. This is your gold medal. Thank you.”
Known for the work ethic which he instilled in his athletes, as well as his sense of humor, Gravel addressed the crowd after unveiling the granite-and-bronze monument which will permanently stand in the entryway to the track.
“I was recruited to come coach at Westfield State,” said Gravel. “They promised me a rose garden. When I came out here into the woods,” motioning to where the track now stands, Gravel said “That’s exactly what I found, because we didn’t even have a track.”
While the college constructed the outdoor track early in Gravel’s 30-year tenure at Westfield State, the facility was renovated two years ago and now serves as a state of the art complex in New England with its eight-lane running track, along with four jumping pits and runways, and an adjacent throwing area for the javelin, shot, hammer and discus. Also, the indoor field house has a 160-meter four lane training track and field event areas.
Gravel noted that his sister was unable to attend due to poor health, and took a moment to think of one of his athletes, Sgt. Dan Buckley ’77, who is currently serving in Iraq.
Gravel joked that his father had told him that he wasn’t too good with his hands, so he’d better make a living with his mind, and that he spent too much time on sports, so he combined them to make his career as a professor and coach.
“I saw myself as a scientist,” said Gravel. “What we did in the field was relevant to what we did in the classroom. I saw myself as a professor.”
He thanked many family members as well. “My brother Jim, who was the first to think this day was possible”, suggesting the naming to President Dobelle. “My family made the sacrifices. Thanks to Mark and Heather (Jerry’s son and daughter) I was able to reap the benefits of coaching, and to my wife Joan, who raised the kids, and welcomed members of the team into our house.
Tongue in cheek, Jerry also noted that “thanks to Joan I never had to sign a paycheck for the first 15 years of my career, and she provided constant advice on improving my social skills.”
Gravel also leaves behind a legacy of service to the college, as he was a driving force in helping to establish the Dan Doyle Memorial Scholarship, and the James Earley Memorial Scholarship to honor two of his former athletes and provide financial support to current students at the college. The Doyle Scholarship fund has reached more than $100,000 in endowed funds and has provided a pair of scholarships annually.
“I have done little more than provide inspiration,” said Gravel “The Doyle and Earley scholarships will be there forever. This was not one person’s endeavor.”
Gravel ended his remarks, noting that the naming is the culmination of “the hard work and dedication of many people, from his athletes, to assistant coaches and administration.”
“The true tribute, to me, is the many friends and family that showed up here today to celebrate with me.”