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The University of Central Oklahoma's exercise physiology lab, used by students and faculty in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies, will now bear the name of Philip Ball, Ph.D., longtime Central football coach and professor of exercise science.
Beginning this summer, the University of Central Oklahoma's exercise physiology lab, used by students and faculty in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies, will now bear the name of Philip Ball, Ph.D., longtime Central football coach and professor of exercise science. Through a donation from Ball's children, the naming of the lab also includes the establishment of the Dr. Philip Ball Endowed Chair in Exercise Science fund to support future program research and activities.
"Dr. Phil Ball was not only an accomplished head football coach at Central for 13 years, he was also an exceptional educator for an additional 21 years," said Keith Ball, son of Ball.
"He was committed to advancing educational and professional opportunities for students in sports medicine and coaching, and he founded the sports lab that will bear his name. The Ball and Hirst families take great pride in honoring our father with the endowment that will continue his legacy."
Ball served as UCO's head football coach from 1964-76, compiling an 82-46-6 record and earning induction into the UCO Athletics Hall of Fame in 2002. Upon retiring from coaching, Ball earned his doctorate degree and served as a professor at Central until 1993. During his tenure, he specialized in exercise physiology research efforts and coordinated the coaching mentorship and preparation program. Three scholarships at UCO supporting students in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies already bear Ball's name.
The donation from the Ball family provides new opportunities for students in the UCO kinesiology programs, including stipends for graduate assistants, enhanced physiology lab activities and new lab workspace and technology. The renamed Dr. Philip Ball Exercise Physiology Lab is located on the first floor of the UCO Wellness Center.
"This very generous donation will allow exercise science graduate students and exercise fitness management students to engage in high-quality lab activities and will better prepare them to help clients," said Jacilyn Olson, Ph.D., associate professor of kinesiology and coordinator of the physiology lab.
For more information about the lab and the UCO Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies, contact Rachel Baugh at rbaugh@uco.edu or 405-974-5408.