Athletics - Dorothy Ledger - 2002 Inductee - Contributor
For nearly a quarter century, Dottie Ledger was Fitchburg State
Athletics. From November of 1978 to her retirement in June of 2002,
Ledger served as the secretary for the Athletic Department. She
was one of the first person hired by now fellow Hall of Fame member
Betty Kruczek. Kruczek, the department’s first full-time athletic
director faced the daunting task of running a program with limited
full-time help. She turned to Ledger for support and Dottie answered
the call.
Dottie provided help and expertise with the athletic department
budget, a task made challenging with 16 varsity sports. She was
the familiar voice that answered the phone, and was more then willing
to help a prospective student locate an elusive part-time coach
or assist a parent in finding their way to a hard to find road contest.
She had her trademark familiar smile that first greeted an overwhelmed
freshman when they walked through the door and made them feel at
ease immediately. Ledger had the uncanny ability to make every coach
feel that his or her program was her top priority.
Due to an illness to Kruczek during the 1995-96 academic year,
it was Ledger and Assistant Athletic Director Dave Marsh (Hall of
Fame member – Class of 1999) who stepped up to run the department
in her absence. Several times a week, Dottie drove to Betty’s
home in Auburn just to have her sign paperwork. Following Kruczek’s
retirement in 1996, Dottie teamed with new athletic director Sue
Lauder to make the transition virtually seamless. Her career ranged
from the Parkinson Gymnasium and the offices in the Anthony building
to the department’s posh new location at the Recreation Center.
She will be recalled by athletes, coaches and co-workers not only
as a talented worker, but also as a quality person and a great friend.
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