The late James Vogelgesang characterizes what a man can do in athletics and what athletics can do for a man. His accomplishments in the area of athletics, over a long and distinguished career, are as diversified and as distinguished as a man can achieve in his field of endeavor.
After graduating from the Lima Public School system, Vogelgesang attended the Ohio State University and competed in both football and track. He was runner-up in the 1932 Ohio State pentathlon competition. Bluffton beckoned in 1934 and he participated in football, basketball and track under A.C. Burcky. He served as captain on both the track and football teams.
A career in teaching and coaching spanned the years 1936 through 1976. Tenure in the Lima, Cridersville and Shawnee public schools over these years included position as varsity football coach, varsity track coach, varsity golf coach, faculty manager, supervisors of health and physical education, directory of athletics and superintendent of schools.
A distinguished career in officiating football, track and basketball was evident between the years of 1937 and 1972. During this period, he officiated the Ohio State basketball finals, officiated football in the Mid-American Conference for 17 years and served as president of the Ohio Association of Football Officials in 1969.
Vogelgesang died in 2000.
