The Post-Journal

Bataitis to Take JCC Physical Education Post

George P. Bataitis, 28, physical education director of Jamestown Boys Club for the past two years, has resigned that position to take a similar post at Jamestown Community College, effective Sept. 1.

Mr. Bataitis has been directing physical education activities of the College on a part-time since last fall, when the course was added to the curriculum.

The change was announced jointly by Arthur B. Verry, Boys Club executive director, and Dr. Frederick deW, Bolman, Jr. College president.

Mr. Verry cited Mr. Bataitis for the “commendable job” he has done at the Boys Club, adding, “We are very sorry to lose him but are glad he has the opportunity to advance his professional status. We are happy that he will continue to be associated with us in person, since the College uses our facilities for their physical education program.”

“In leaving, Mr. Bataitis joins the list of previous physical education directors at the Boys Club who have gone on to more advanced positions after serving us well.”

Dr. Bolman said, “A good director for this program has been one of the needs of the College which is continuing to expand. We are strengthening the program since it is a recognized part of all college curriculums and will further assist students in transferring to four-year institutions. Furthermore we feel it will benefit those taking terminal programs here. We are delighted to have Mr. Bataitis with us, especially since he has directed the program from the beginning on a part–time basis.”

Born and brought up in Syracuse, Mr. Bataitis was graduated from Most Holy Rosary High School in 1944 and from Ithaca College in 1953. Majoring in health and physical education he received a Bachelor of Science degree. For four years he was a member of Adelphi Honor Society to which students are elected on the basis of high marks, and in his senior year was elected to Who’s Who among Students in American Colleges and Universities, 1953 edition. During his college years he also participated in wrestling and track.

Between high school and college he served four years in the U.S. Navy submarine service as a radioman second class. Most of the time he was aboard the submarine, USS Requin, on duty in the North Atlantic, Carribean and Arctic. He also worked a year in General Electric Company electronics division at Syracuse.

Following graduation, Mr. Bataitis worked on an economic marking research project at Cornell University, coming here in May 1954 as physical education director of the Boys Club. He and his wife Joyce, and 2-year old daughter Paula, reside at 129 Maple Street.

The physical education program as set up last September, was planned by Mr. Bataitis under the direction of the faculty physical education committee. It was a required course for all freshmen. During the coming year the course will be offered on the sophomore level and will be required of all sophomores starting in the fall of 1957. The reason for eventually making the two years a requirement, officials say, is that most four-year schools require two years of physical education.


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