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Abstract
| The career of Walter Wittich was in great
measure the motivating influence which brought the Division
of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation at what is now
Wisconsin State University -- La Crosse to its position of
national prominence. His inclination and competence to
contribute to his profession were based upon a heritage of
family interest in physical training in the German tradition
of the Turnverein. His driving professionalis~as expressed
in positive leadership, prolific writing, and earnest participation
in campus and community affairs made the years he
served as Director of the department ones of growth and
vitality for physical education. His administration encompassed
six revisions of the physical activity offerings, saw
the introduction of a four-year course in physical education,
saw the acceptance of academic minors, and the establishing
of a recreation major, as well as the groundwork laid for
graduate studies in physical education. Under Wittich's
directorship, the programs at La Crosse were characterized
by their reliance on fundamental training in gymnastics and
sports activities, the subordination of athletic competition
to the purposes of physical education, and the instilling of
truly professional attitudes and competence in students
training to be teachers of physical education. The impact of
his career was felt by his students, the college, the community,
and the profession generally, and is exemplar of the
contributions of a dedicated physical educator. |
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