ERNA WACHTEL
Erna Wachtel (April 3, 1907 – June 1, 1995) was an American artistic gymnast, coach and judge. Born in Germany, she immigrated to the United States at the age of 19. There she won multiple AAU titles, and in 1944 was named an Honorary Olympic Team member, for the games that were cancelled due to World War II. After retiring from competitions served as an AAU functionary, international referee, and national gymnastics coach, preparing the American women’s gymnastics team to the 1956 Summer Olympics. From 1957 to 1973, she taught physical education at the Chicago Park District. In 1974 she was inducted into the USA Gym Hall of Fame.
ATHLETE’S AWARD
- FROM THE ERNA WACHTEL ATHLETE’S AWARD COMMITTEE:
Betty Axelson-McClelland, Norbert Bendixen, Sandy Oldham, Jeanne Johnson
- NOMINATIONS DUE MARCH 18, 2021
- ATHLETE MUST BE A GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR; U.S.A.
- GYMNAST MUST BE NOMINATED BY COACH
- COACH MUST WRITE A RECOMMENDATION
REQUIREMENTS:
- Athlete must have exceptional work habits
- Athlete must possess personal character traits of honesty, sincerity, pride and is considerate of teammates, family and friends
- Athlete must be dedicated, show initiative, self-discipline, responsibility, determination, courage, and a positive attitude
- Athlete must need financial assistance for college (coach must verify need)
- Athlete must write a paper telling why she feels she exemplifies the ideals that the Erna Wachtel award is recognizing and why she is worthy of receiving financial assistance
*ONE OTHER RECOMMENDATION FOR THE ATHLETE MUST BE SUBMITTED
( by teacher, pastor, family friends, etc.)
*Monetary award will be paid directly to the educational institution the recipient will be attending in 2019/2020.
*Winner’s name will be engraved on the Erna Wachtel plaque and displayed in the gymnasts’ gym for a year.