JIM VITALE – “MR. V.”

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

    Jim Vitale had never been away from his home in New Jersey when he left to attend the University of Toledo based on a football scholarship in 1949.  He probably didn’t know he would spend the rest of his life in the Glass City, and he probably wasn’t aware of the number of lives he would touch along the way.  Jim earned three varsity letters while playing under UT football coach Bob Snyder.  Though not the biggest or best player on the team, Jim was considered the “most dependable” by Coach Snyder.  Jim graduated from the University of Toledo in 1953 with a bachelor’s degree in education.

    That same year, Jim married his college sweetheart, Dolly.  After serving two years in the Army, Jim and his wife settled in Michigan where he taught and coached for four years at Huron High School.

    In 1959, Jim came to Rogers High School where he would begin a 31-year stay.  He coached football and track while teaching American History and Health.

    In 1970, Jim was named Dean of Students and two years later he became the Athletic Director of Rogers High School.

    Jim also served as Wrestling Tournament Director for the city league, sectional and district tournaments.  His efforts earned him a place in the “Ohio State Wrestling Hall of Fame.”

    Jim established a warm bond with the students at Rogers.  The students affectionately referred to him as “Mr. V.”

Jim was twice named “Mr. Ram,” an award made by the student newspaper to the faculty member deemed most helpful to students.

At his last high school commencement in 1991, Jim was given a standing ovation, one of many throughout his career.

    Since his death in 1991, Jim has received numerous awards posthumously.  He was honored by the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame for his contributions to young athletes and he was also inducted into the Ohio Athletic Administrator Association Hall of Fame.  In addition, each fall the Jim Vitale Golf Tournament raises money to offer two $500 scholarships for qualified students.

    Perhaps the greatest honor for Jim came when the Rogers High School Field House was renamed in his honor in 1995.

    Jim is survived by his wife Dolly, five children and 10 grandchildren.