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ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

David B. Emens '61 Posthumously

Inducted: 1994

A two-sport athlete, David Emens ran on the cross country team and participated on the track and field squad. Known for his ability to perform in the clutch, Emens often times saved his best long jump for his last attempt. Those meets included the Memphis and Wabash Relays, Great Lakes Carnival, Little State and ICC Championships. Upon graduation he earned a master's degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1962 and his school administration certificate from Ball State in the same year. He taught in the Elkhart school system for over 30 years and also coached during that time. In 1977 he was named the school system's director of employee and student relations, a position he held until his retirement in 1994. In that position he oversaw the athletic directors at schools at three different levels. Emens was instrumental in developing the Committee Organized for Athletic Coaching Help (C.O.A.C.H.) program whose goal it was to extend the benefits of competitive athletics to more boys and girls and increase the quality of the athletic programs. He was involved in several civic and professional organizations and officiated volleyball and basketball games for the Indiana High School Athletic Association. Emens stayed active after graduation and ran in marathons in Detroit and Chicago and numerous 10K races.