Rememberin by Michelle McKean Collegian Staff Behrend lost more than an administrator when Herb Lauffer died; Behrend lost a man who affected the lives of everyone he touched. Herb Lauffer put all of himself into everything. On Jan. 10, Lauffer passed away due to heart related problems at the Cleveland Clinic. "He wiffbe missed in a different way by everyone." - Robert Schenker Behrend Registrar Lauffer was part of the athletic department at Penn State Behrend for 29 years, serving as the athletic director for the past 16 years. Initially, Lauffer was the men's tennis coach and later continued with 23 years as the head of the men's soccer program. According to Lauffer himself, *academics first' is a tradition at Behrend. "There is no question that we want our programs to be successful, but it's more than bringing the ball up the court or up the field. If you learn what is taught in the classroom as well as on the athletic field, then you should be a better person and better prepared to step into another arena of competition, your chosen career," said Lauffer in The Behrend Quarterly in 1989. Lauffer was born in Butler, PA in 1941. He attended both Slippery Rock High School and College graduating with a Bachelor of Science' degree in health, physical education and recreation. He continued his education at West Virginia University earning a Master of Science degree in physical education. Lauffer's motivation led him to be Penn State- Behrend's winningest coach in history in addition to bringing four new sports to Behrend, adding to the original eight. According to a tribute letter, Lcruffer helped to guide Behrend Athletics from *NAIA Junior College status to NCAA Division 111 and Eastern College Athletic Conference membership." Lcruffer also produced several NSCAA regional All- Americans and All- Conference Players. Soccer players from as "If you (earn what is taught in the classroom as well as on the athletic flea then you should "be a better person and better prepared" to step into another arena of competition, your chosen career." - Herb Lauffer far as New Jersey came to his funeral service. Lauffer not only touched Behrend with his excellence, but reached out into the community. He was the founder and president of the Erie Loss of a friend, boss, loved one by Matt Maw - Sports Editor few do it with such care. Mr. Lctulfer wasn't. just On Jan. 10, the Behrend community-lost a boss, a fd.imd and a loved one, with - the passing of Athletic Director Herb Lauffer. He will always be remembered for his efforts to make Behrend a better place for students. I had the unique opportunity to work with o tti "r* c i*cluffer et and bliritatulathe athletic kno )41, • " wn . 14%1ff for various iuw as a personabl e I also Clot to knowcheerful man since and on a personal aw him The fast derv ' met 14r, unifier was n everlev el 74 dosses my of btlaY tO , tidos the tie too found ri.;,lll7uum t an Year get t o kn4w 14444 to th e attgett s itting He' alwelut his students. to tdlk c waiting asked how with c I Nuand. oach tWaseindarVan d o ff ered to anytime p I had a The a s pectLcniff,oh Mr,. mostwhu4 I achnimcl the treat w as the way he _ed PeOPle 4;isk na ' w A i .,„.„ 04 1, /°t _ o , , , t o r ho - uvr ang But Lauffer: Youth Soccer Association and initiated the Penn State-Behrend Athletic Hall of Fame. Part of his career involved directing soccer camps and youth programs. Lauffer was also the co-director of the Wolverine's soccer camp at Grove City College. When Erie was in danger of losing baseball, Lauffer jumped suggestions Lauffer was well know beyond the Erie community as well. "Great athletes... weigh the risk vs. the reward and often choose the In 1990, when Hank Gather collapsed in the middle of a basketball game, Lauffer was quoted in USA Today. The front-page of the March 6 USA Today quoted Lauffer, "Great athletes...weigh the risk vs. the reward and often choose the reward." Erik Brady, USA Today writer, went on to list Lauffer as an expert in athletic competition. After the March 6 edition, Lauffer received four requests to participate in radio programs and was requested to appear on a nationally syndicated documentary program raczkirlg idle chatter; he reafly cared how I was On the professional level he treated me with respect. Re never treated me like an Insignificant college sports writer, he treated me as if I were writing for the New York 1111266. In and.t.ten.ctuyie actrib‘ r_ rig m , h uiuti e t-E' ti t.olivi Y ecieruit tie sax helP d that he couldl to vighin. +0 talk efiftd an, - -h was w it roalo we wer e tba, e txiske te ata ~.. irnm ,_tix)duCelid we LEL out of New York City. Extremely knowledgeable in his field, Lauffer published several articles and was a guest speaker at various social gatherings. In addition to coaching, Lauffer taught many physical and health education courses at Behrend. He was also committed to making the $ 1 0 million sports complex a reality for Behrend. offered Lauffer's deep concern for others perfected the balance between his reward" - glerb Lauffer Puhlisned in USA Today, March" 6, 1990 professional position and his friendship with the Athletic Department. *He gave us confidence and freedom along with ourselves, shook hands and then talked for the next half an hour. Mr. Lauffer helped me get my work study job in the athletic department, he convinced me to become involved with the newspaper, and always encouraged to go after my goals. He always had confidence in me and treated me as an equal. After his tragic death, I spent three days reliving my memories of Mr. Lauffer. I saw everything he did for the Behrend community and for me, I realized how lucky I wa to have had the opportunity to get to know Mr. Lauffer an• how much I will miss him in my life. In Mr. Lauffer I sa many things that t admire and respect. I also realized that I saw him the type of person would like to become,
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers