Eastern Connecticut State University

Dr. Carl A. Troester is generally regarded as the founder of the intercollegiate athletic program. A native of Kirksville, Mo., Troester spent six years (1940-1946) at Willimantic State as director of health and physical education, dean of men and as the school’s first basketball coach. Troester, who would later hold prominent positions in national and international health and physical education organizations, was instrumental in the formation of the New England Teachers’ College Conference (NETCC) while in Willimantic. As a second-year team in 1941-42, Willimantic posted its only undefeated basketball season (14-0) to date en route to winning the first NETCC championship. Under Troester in 1942-43, the Teachers successfully defended their conference title.