Kepple Becomes 121st Member of Juniata Sports Hall of Fame

HUNTINGDON, Pa. – After 15 years of service, Dr. Thomas R. Kepple, Jr. will retire from the position of President at Juniata College this summer.  Dr. Kepple transformed the campus and institution during his tenure and has been one of Juniata athletics biggest fans.  For his work in improving the department and support of its programs, Dr. Kepple was inducted into the Juniata Athletics Sports Hall of Fame Thursday.  He became only the second special inductee in the hall’s history.  Former athletics director and head volleyball coach Larry Bock was the first in February of 2012.

Dr. Kepple was one of the architects of the Landmark Conference.  It was under his leadership and influence that Juniata athletics moved from the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) to the newly formed league.  Under Dr. Kepple, Juniata has competed in five different conferences across 19 men and women’s intercollegiate sports and improved its athletic facilities dramatically, including a refurbished eight lane track and synthetic turf at Knox Stadium.

The construction of Goodman Field has allowed all-season access for multiple sports to practice and compete.  During Dr. Kepple’s tenure, the Eagles won seven national titles, 22 postseason championships, received 98 All-American and 11 Academic All-American honors, earned 49 player/coach of the year awards and had over 300 all-conference selections.

Avid sports fans, Dr. Kepple and his wife Pat were staples inside Memorial Gymnasium, attending as many events as possible.  His unparalleled dedication to Juniata College and its athletics leaves a legacy that will live on in the hearts and minds of countless student-athletes.

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