Greenville College Annual Report 2002-03

In Memory: Dr. John M. Strahl

Dr. John M. Strahl, the father of Greenville College athletics, passed away on Aug. 31, 2003, at the age of 79 after a brief struggle with cancer.

Strahl came to Greenville in 1950 as athletic director, basketball coach, and tennis coach and stayed for 40 years. During his first three decades of leadership, both the men's and women's athletic programs grew significantly, adding such sports as track and field, cross country, golf, and soccer. Strahl spent 13 years in development, becoming “Mr. Greenville College” to thousands of alumni by hosting many events across the country.

In 1976, Greenville College conferred upon him its highest academic honor, the honorary doctorate of education. When Greenville College established its Athletic Hall of Fame in 1989, John and his wife, June, were the first two inductees. Recently, the Board of Trustees approved naming the athletic fields just one mile south of the main campus after Coach Strahl.

Strahl is survived by his wife, three children (Judith Keffer, Jill Mohnkern, and John Strahl, Jr.) and eight grandchildren.

Last updated: January 23, 2004