Part 1 The WRA

Above: A WRA Sports Board staff photo (year unknown); Courtesy of Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections, Ohio University Libraries.

The Women’s Recreation Association (WRA) was founded in 1923 and became the first women’s athletic organization on Ohio University’s campus. It was originally known as the Women’s Athletic Association (WAA) and coexisted with the Department of Physical Education for Women, which was also established that same year.

A key catalyst for the program was the construction of Bentley Hall, which served as the new gymnasium for men. As a result, it gave women sole access to the old gym (below), located where Alden Library now stands.

Courtesy of Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections, Ohio University Libraries.

The WAA was organized on a point system. Women who participated in activities like hikes, swimming, and other sports accumulated an individual number of points. Those who earned enough points could become members of the “Flying ‘O’ Club.”

Right: The "Flying 'O' Club" members from the 1950-51 school year. Courtesy of Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections, Ohio University Libraries.

In 1933, the WAA joined the Athletic Conference of American College Women. The organization sponsored interschool competitions like shooting, swimming, and softball while also maintaining an emphasis on intramural events.

The WAA purchased a cabin off Route 50 (below) in 1939 to use as its headquarters. It eventually opened to all university coeds for a small fee.

Courtesy of Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections, Ohio University Libraries.

The following are photos from old scrapbooks from the Mahn Center at Alden Library. The photos span from the WAA/WRA’s establishment in 1923 all the way to 1960.

Intramural competition was a major component in the early years of the WAA/WRA. Pictured right are the 1949 volleyball champions, Boyd Hall.

Below: Team standings for intramural competition

From 1931

Courtesy of Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections, Ohio University Libraries.

Dolphin Club

The Dolphin Club, a synchronized swimming group, was a well-known attraction on O.U.’s campus for a number of years. They practiced in the old natatorium and performed for audiences in the spring semester.

One of the marquee performances included an annual show on Mom’s Weekend. According to the 1959 Athena yearbook, the Dolphin Club even gave a demonstration for Athens High School to promote interest in synchronized swimming.

Members perform a routine, circa 1951. Courtesy of Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections, Ohio University Libraries.

Club members practice, 1966. Courtesy of Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections, Ohio University Libraries.

Tennis Club

Another branch that stemmed from the WRA tree was the Women’s Tennis Club of Ohio University.

Courtesy of Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections, Ohio University Libraries.

The article above (from 1965) by Judy Ludwick of The Post explains how that year’s edition of the club's 14 women were guided under Beverly Smith, a women’s physical education instructor. The team faced clubs from Miami (OH), Ohio State, Central State, West Liberty College, and participated in the state tournament in Bowling Green.

“With a team strengthened by freshmen and transfer students, Ohio U. should be a ‘match’ for the top-notch teams on its schedule.”

- Judy Ludwick, 1965

The 1965 tennis club team. Courtesy of Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections, Ohio University Libraries.

The women’s tennis team was referred to as the “Racquettes.”

Courtesy of Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections, Ohio University Libraries.

Stand Up and Cheer -- for "our boys"

Right: An old version of the “Stand Up and Cheer” fight song. Notice the line saying “our boys are marching.” The current version of the song says “our team is fighting.”

Courtesy of Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections, Ohio University Libraries.

“We are the Girls from Ohio”

Courtesy of Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections, Ohio University Libraries.

Key Figures in the Early Years

Sarah Hatcher

Hatcher became head of the women’s physical education program at Ohio University in 1927.

She arrived with a strong background, having been a teacher at the Georgia College for Women, Peabody College (at Vanderbilt), and East Texas State Teachers College. Hatcher also spent time as a teacher, social worker, and children’s recreation program director near Birmingham, Ala.

Courtesy of Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections, Ohio University Libraries.

The women’s phys. ed. program at O.U. made tremendous strides during Hatcher’s 29-year tenure as head of the department. It expanded from its two primary subjects of swimming and gymnastics to around 20 different activities.

Over 2,000 students participated in women’s physical education classes in 1956 – the year Hatcher stepped down as chairwoman.

A primary reason for that growth was her stance on the impact physical education could have on young women.

“[Physical education] helps build the complete person. It tests, and where needed, corrects a girl’s reactions to group situations.”

- Sarah Hatcher, 1951

Hatcher continued her role as an associate professor until her retirement from O.U. in 1962.

Courtesy of Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections, Ohio University Libraries.

Charlotte LaTourrette

LaTourrette, a native of Phoenix, began her career in 1925 as a teacher at the Young Women’s Christian Association in San Francisco. She accepted a teaching position at Ohio University in September 1929.

LaTourrette taught classes in health, physical education, and recreation for 42 years. She funded three different scholarships for phys. ed. majors and established an outdoor education fund at O.U.

She was also an advisor on the WRA cabin board.

Courtesy of Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections, Ohio University Libraries.

LaTourrette’s commitment extended to the Athens community. One of her courses gave O.U. students (both male and female) an opportunity to volunteer at the city’s mental health center and work with patients. LaTourrette also taught first aid courses for four decades and served as chairwoman of the Athens County Red Cross chapter.

The long-time professor retired from Ohio University in 1971 and continued her volunteer work at the Red Cross, the Athens Senior Citizens Center, and the Girl Scouts before her passing in July of 1981.

One newspaper article from the late 1960s revealed that LaTourrette didn’t originally have living in southeast Ohio as part of her long-term plan.

“I thought I would stay only two years, but challenging opportunities just kept coming up.”

- Charlotte LaTourrette

In total, LaTourrette dedicated 52 years of service to the Athens and O.U. community.

Courtesy of Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections, Ohio University Libraries.

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