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In Your Words

Career builders

By Tom Thrailkill '52

A recent Miamian had an article about favorite professors that triggered my Miami recollections. I actually had two favorites who had an immediate and long-lasting effect on my Miami years ('48–'52) as well as my career in physical education.

During my freshman week, the university doctors were doing their job and doing it well. I had a serious leg and hip problem brought on by osteomyelitis at age 5 that was easily visible by the naked eye. The doctors agreed that I was not fit for normal physical activity, much less the rigors of being a physical education major. I was advised that I could enroll in the university, participate in "restrictive gym," but in no way be a major in physical education. This decision appeared to destroy a dream I had had since seventh grade. I called home, of course, to enlist the aid of my parents and anyone else they could recruit to speak for me.

During this process, my father discovered that Professor Tommy Van Voorhis of the physical education department had been a schoolmate in high school. Immediately a phone call was made. Professor Van Voorhis listened and agreed to help—thus I had a friend at the university.

In less than a week and after several conference calls with my orthopedic surgeon, various coaches and physical education instructors, and Professor Van Voorhis, I was admitted to the physical education department on a trial basis, still confined to "restrictive gym" but teaching this program at the end of six weeks.

Full status as a physical education major assured me that my dream would become a reality—thanks to Professor Tommy Van Voorhis.

My second favorite is Raymond Ray who came to Miami my senior year to head up the newly formed aquatic program and natatorium (Billings) under construction. Mr. Ray had been the swimming coach at Fenn College in Cleveland, Ohio, producing at least one Olympian. Mr. Ray was also the aquatic director at the Downtown YMCA in Cleveland.

On the Friday before commencement, Mr. Ray called me and asked me to come over to Withrow Court, the physical education headquarters. At this meeting I was asked if I had ever considered the YMCA as a career. Not only was the YMCA not in my plans, but I knew nothing of the Y's requirements and possibilities. Mr. Ray counseled with me and gave me some good food for thought. Within six weeks, I had accepted an interview and signed on as physical director of the Covington, Ky., YMCA.

After earning the title "director of physical education," I served in this capacity in four associations from Georgia to New Jersey and started a new YMCA in Lafayette, La. I also have been involved for 54 years, 25 as director, of the YMCA Blue Ridge Leaders School—a leadership training school in physical education for teenagers—the largest in the world. In addition, I served eight years as national and international consultant for youth physical education and leadership development. My work has had me involved with teenagers and/or their advisers from 27 states and 23 countries.

Thank you Tommy Van Voorhis, Raymond Ray, and Miami University.