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Ruth Mathias taught physical education at KU from 1952 until 1967. During that period, women’s sports competition was restricted to “Play Days.” The Play Days were based on a few practice sessions for Saturday contests against area colleges such as Cedar Crest, Albright and Muhlenberg. Mathias coached all women’s sports that were offered, including field hockey, basketball, volleyball, and tennis. Although no records were kept for Play Days, the original Lady Bears were known to be very successful. Mathias was also instrumental in the success of the KU women’s intramural sports program and the Leaders’ Club and Tau Kappa. The Leaders’ Club was designed to provide women the opportunity to learn sports activities not offered in class. It also taught them how to referee and coach. Tau Kappa was a sorority that honored women who were excellent in sports and academics. Mathias retired in 1967 and resides in Willow Street, PA.
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