Vince J. Gonino Memorial Scholarship

Vincent J. Gonino, born May 18, 1936, grew up in Watertown, NY. Because of his success as a high school wrestler, Vince was awarded a full scholarship to The Ohio State University in 1956. He majored in physical education. He earned his B.S. and Ph.D from The Ohio State University and his masters degree from Ohio University in Athens, OH. After a few years teaching and coaching in high school, Vince accepted a position as wrestling coach at Keystone Junior College, Factoryville, PA. He was there only one year. He was offered a poition as an assistant wrestling coach and assistant professor at SUNY at Cortland in 1966.

Before leaving Ohio, Vince married V. Jean Deffenbaugh. They had two sons: John, born October 9, 1961 and Grant born January 21, 1966.

In 1968 “Dr. G” became head wrestling coach and his teams were very successful. He quickly progressed from assistant professor to associate, then to full professor. During his tenure at Cortland State he wrote many articles in various physical education publications. For his doctoral dissertation he chose to write The Story of Huntington Memorial Camp, the site of Cortland’s other outdoor education program. A copy of this book can be found in the college library.

In 1984 Dr. Gonino accepted a position as Head of Department of Physical Education and Recreation and Athletic Director at East Texas State University, Commerce, Texas where he created much needed change. In 1988 Dr. Gonino returned to the east accepting a position as Department Head for Physical Education and Recreation at Shepherd College, Shepherds Town, West Virginia. There he started three new major programs in: sport medicine, sport journalism, and sport management.

Vince took a personal interest in his many advisees and their goals. In 199? he was inducted to the Park Center Wall of Fame at SUNY Cortland. He was awarded professor emeritus status upon his retirement from Shepherds College in 2001. Vince passed away at the age of 66, on November 13, 2002.