Norbert Baschnagel, associate professor of health and physical education at Clarion University, will be honored by the University at Buffalo (UB), the UB Division of Athletics, and the UB Alumni Association with a Distinguished Alumni Award at the 2009 UB Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Thursday, Oct. 8, at the UB Center for the Arts.
The award honors alumni who have made significant accomplishments in athletics once they have earned their degrees from the university. The award is meant to honor those who have excelled in coaching, athletic administrators, and professional or amateur athletes.
Baschnagel received his B.S. and M.Ed. in physical education from the State University of New York at Buffalo, where he also completed 95 hours of advanced graduate work.
He has worked at Clarion University since 1974, also serving as women's varsity tennis coach from 1982-90, and assistant varsity men's basketball coach from 1974-81. During his tenure at Clarion, he has taught basketball, tennis, bowling, CPR, first aid, health, racquetball, softball, theory and techniques of coaching, and other classes.
Before joining Clarion University, Baschnagel was an instructor and assistant professor of health and physical education at the State University of New York at Buffalo. He also served as assistant athletic trainer and assistant varsity men's basketball coach.
Baschnagel was voted the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Women's Tennis Coach of the Year in 1988 and 1989; coached Clarion University to four consecutive PSAC championship titles from 1986-89; and had Clarion University ranked number one in the NCAA Division II East Region for three consecutive years.
During Baschnagel's stint as assistant men's basketball coach, Clarion had a record of 159-67, won or tied for first in the PSAC West five times, made it to the NAIA Nationals in 1977 and 1980, and the NCAA Division II playoffs in 1981.
Baschnagel is the recipient of the YMCA distinguished service award; a certificate of appreciation and a certificate of recognition from the Clarion Area Chamber of Commerce; a certificate of appreciation from the United Way of Clarion County; and the public relations award from the Pennsylvania State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance Inc. Over the last 30 years, he has also participated in many community fund raising events.
Since 1965 the UB Alumni Association has inducted hundreds of qualified individuals into its Athletic Hall of Fame. Honorees are permanently recognized in the Dr. and Mrs. Edmond J. Gicewicz Family UB Athletics Hall of Fame in Alumni Arena and form a continuing reminder of the importance athletes have athletics to the university and its students, faculty and alumni.
Clarion University is the high-achieving, nationally recognized, comprehensive university that delivers a personal and challenging academic experience.
