Ola Bundy-Illinois' first lady of girls' sports

The Class A girls State Basketball tournament takes place this weekend and as I read the news wires this morning looking for stories about Okawville, I came across a story about the death of Ola Bundy, a woman who had more to do with the advent and rise of girl's athletic participation than just about anyone else in the state of Illinois. Ms. Bundy passed away last Saturday, February 18, at the age of 70, much too soon.

She attended Champaign High School and the University of Illinois majoring in Physical Education, did graduate work at Northern Illinois University and taught for some years at Grant Park, Thornton Fractional North and Champaign before taking a position as an executive director of the IHSA. Joe Henrickson of the Oswego Ledger Sentinal wrote a story in 2001 in which he listed his choices for what he called the Super Seven significant milestones of the IHSA and number three was the hiring of Ola Bundy.

"Perhaps the biggest impact from an administrative standpoint was the hiring of Dave Fry and Ola Bundy in 1967." ..."Bundy...did more for girls athletics than anyone in state history prior to retiring 1996. Her pursuit and dedication for girls athletics helped the state increase the number of state championships in girls sports to 12 in her first five years on the job."

According the the IHSA website:
"Today's female athlete owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to Miss Bundy, because many times it was only by the sheer force of her personality that she was able to persuade high school administrators to give girls athletics a fair shake. For her unceasing efforts she received many honors, capped by her induction into the National High School Sports Hall of Fame in 1996."

I had the privilege of meeting Ola Bundy each May from 1994-1997 when our daughter competed in the state track meet. Ola was a long time track official and always gracious to the athletes and their parents. A well lived life. She will be missed.