OUTSTANDING ATHLETE

Induction Year: 2005 | Graduation Year: 1956

“Home is where your story begins.” Pate’s story began at the old Springfield hospital on August 20, 1938. She was initially raised on the Toews farm next to Glenwood Cemetery.  But, with WWII, there were two other residences. She lived in Elkart, IN where her father was involved in developing experimental radar systems for the military followed by a short stint at a family business in Salem, OR. Nevertheless, the Athy’s always found their way back to their roots in Ohio. She attended Olive Branch and New Carlisle, then graduated as salutatorian from Tecumseh in 1956. She was intensely involved in academics, music and sports plus many club activities.

Her school experiences, one of her fondest memories was cringing as Mrs. Griest :raised an eyebrow” in college prep English. Then there was orchestra, band and vocal groups. Plus what rigorous training with the Dayton Philharmonic training orchestra and the summer vesper concerts at the Dayton Art Institute. She still has lower-level hearing loss per those years in the marching band with the drum line. Another fond memory is the vocal trio (Gretchen Athy, Saralee Teets and Pate) at a pep rally for the basketball team –once again going to the district and regional playoffs. To “Mr. Sandman” they sang “Mr. Shannon, give us our dream, make it a winning basketball team - - -.” In the 50’s, there were four “letter” sports for girls. Pate participated in all four every year at Tecumseh. Though there don’t seem to be any records remaining, she remembers winning teams, good friends and fun times. Another highlight and influence during her high school years was her family hosting an exchange student during her junior year. Gudrun was from Germany and certainly expanded everyone’s horizons. Gudrun still visits the states and they remain friends.

Pate graduated from Miami University, Oxford with honors majoring in Health and Physical Education with a Physiology minor. While there she was active as a hall counselor and played intercollegiate basketball. She was also awarded the first women’s undergraduate assistantship in physical education.

Her first teaching position was as the initial physical education teacher at the new Springfield North High School in its’ inaugural year. Extra curricular assignments included two teams of cheerleaders, a one hundred twenty member cheering group and a gymnastic team.

While at Miami and during subsequent teaching, she worked summers at the Fairborn YMCA and then at Silver Lake as a lifeguard, swimming instructor and also coached synchronized swimming. She was also involved in summer theater in Springfield. She also continued to compete in basketball on an AAU team comprised of local teachers and professors.

Pate relocated to North Carolina thirty-seven years ago and was blessed with two children. She was the first women’s physical education instructor at Davidson College when the school went coed. She was also the Director of the Language Laboratory and Director of Audiovisual Services for the campus. She also designed and taught an exercise class for college staff. Mean while, she received her master’s degree with honors from UNC – Charlotte. Her thesis was based on a workshop she designed and taught for elementary teachers for renewal credit - - Alternatives in Physical Education.

After a change to her  personal life, she went into sales working first as a salesperson for Honeywell, then as a Sales Manager for Independent Energy and, finally, had her own business selling in the tow Carolinas. She spent over twenty year in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (the HVAC/R industry) with numerous awards along the way. During this time both of her children graduated from Appalachian State University, Boone, NC and have successful careers.

Pate and Bill married twenty years ago and, collectively, have four children and six grandchildren. They chose early retirement six years ago and love it. They actively go Rving and became volunteer Park Hosts in the Virginia State Park system last year. They spent four months in the mountains. This year they will repeat the mountain experience plus have added another location to the coast. They consider this experience a great opportunity to give back - - and enjoy!

Pate truly believes those fortunate enough to have been educated in the New Carlisle – Bethel schools were truly blessed. They lived in a small, rural community with dedication not only from parents but faculty, staff, administration and the greater community itself. There was a prevailing sense of pride at all levels. Pate and her classmates were truly fortunate to be grounded in strong academics supporting life work choices but also afforded the opportunity to experience and appreciate the finer things in life - - the arts and athletics. Pate sincerely appreciates this honor and hopes your efforts with the Hall of Fame Program continue to encourage all or our students.