University of Vermont Athletic Hall of Fame
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Charles Christensen Special Inductee - Director of Physical Education
A 1992 Special Inductee to the UVM Hall of Fame and Director of Physical Education for almost three decades, Charles Christensen was instrumental in organizing - and reshaping - what is today one of the most successful blends of academics and athletics at a major university.
Named Vermont's Director of Physical Education in 1962, the year the Roy L. Patrick Gymnasium complex was dedicated, "Charlie" help establish a physical education major at UVM beginning with the Class of 1966 ("One of my students in that first class was 'Rusty' Brink, an All-New England football selection and 1979 UVM Athletic Hall of Fame inductee). In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he coached men's swimming for one season (during Les Leggett's sabbatical) and was a scout for the football and basketball teams.
Charlie came to UVM in 1959 to work under A.T. "Archie" Post (UVM Athletic Hall of Fame inductee in 1970), then Vermont's Director of Physical Education. An All-American football player (offensive and defensive end at the University of Connecticut ('51), he also played basketball and was a member of the track and field team.
His biggest accomplishment or achievement in almost 30 years at UVM? "The young student-athletes who I might have influenced along the way. I've been proud of the teachers and coaches who have taught at UVM through the medium of their sports," said "Charlie."
He was also instrumental in structuring a budget - and varsity programs - for what would become one of the most successful women's athletic programs in the nation. He retired from UVM in 1988.
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