Warren E. Strine
Warren came from a large family of athletic-conscious children, which no doubted accounted for his friendly, amiable disposition and a willingness to volunteer his help in community sports activities.
He played junior high and high school football and entered the U.S. Navy on graduated in 1943. After the war, he enrolled at Ashland College, playing football four years, 1946-49. Boxing was of big interest in the area in his early years and he was District Golden Gloves champion in 1941. In the navy, he boxed an exhibition match with Antoine Christopheridis, the light heavyweight champion of the world. In college years, 1946-49, he was also active as a teacher at the Y.M.C.A., and was the trainer and promoted of the Junior Chamber of Commerce boxing programs at the armory, and officiated at Mansfield Friendly House and reformatory. He was never defeated as a boxer.
His interest carried over into softball with “Pop” Strine’s Gulf teams and Garber’s, and baseball coach of a Pony League team. For 28 years he served as a line official for Ashland High School and college football games, was licensed softball umpire from 1951-1978 and state umpire-in-chief in a state tournament.
Teaching in Mansfield many years, his young gymnastics troupes were in demand for demonstrations at high schools, colleges, and summer camps, and appeared twice on Jimmy Crum’s TV program in Columbus. His gymnastic program has been taped for college teacher training purposes.
Loved by his students, Warren was fittingly memorialized after his death by children, parents, and teachers at Woodland Elementary School in a special service. The gym there has been officially named the Warren Strine Gymnasium.
Nominator: Hallie Strine
Presenter: Dick Humrichouser
