Wayne State University Health and Physical Education Division Records

Both the records of David L. Holmes, Director of Athletics and track coach, and the files of the Health and Physical Educational Division are contained in this collection. David L. Holmes began his tenure at Wayne University as Athletic Director of Detroit Junior College. He stayed with the University until his retirement in 1958. Primarily the David L. Holmes files in this collection concentrate on the decade of 1949-1959, and concern his duties as track coach. During World War II, most athletic athletic activities were ceased. After the war, many of the athletic programs were reorganized. The disagreement that occurred during the 40’s and 50’s regarding the role of athletics at the university is chronicled here, with the emphasis being placed on men’s intercollegiate activity instead of physical education classes. The collection details the processes of managing and scheduling competition for athletic teams, and identifies the need for new facilities.