Coach remembered for standing up for women's rights
For nearly 30 years, Jane McNamara used dry wit and dogged determination to change the lives of Central Michigan University students.
McNamara came to CMU in the fall of 1941, just months before the attack on Pearl Harbor. It was a time when women were discouraged from competing in sports, instead getting together for "play dates."
McNamara changed the concept of men and women's roles at Central Michigan.
"She said you can do it and we will do it," said former student and long-time friend Carol A. Howard. "There was no doubt in her mind that women could compete. This was during the days when women played half-court basketball. Jane said 'we're going to play full court.'"
McNamara died in her home last week at the age of 93.
The feminist wore many different hats during her time at CMU. She coached field hockey, basketball and track and field from 1941 to 1970.
Most importantly, she did her best to change biases towards women's athletics.
She was once quoted in CM Life as saying, "Sports for girls were frowned upon because people thought their reproductive organs would be damaged and boys would not like them."
But McNamara changed all of that during her time in Mount Pleasant.
"She knew it had to be done. She wasn't going to sit and watch the world go by with girls in pink dresses," Howard said.
There was much more than college athletics to McNamara, however.
William Bulger remembers her best for the work she did with students outside of school including a summer camp at Walloon Lake that McNamara and Louise Williams co-directed.
"They always brought students up from CMU and would show them sailing, swimming and playing tennis. They had horses to ride and would have a great time." Bulger said.
McNamara was also very involved in the world of dance. She enjoyed private dance studio instruction in modern dance with artists Martha Graham, Hanya Holm and Doris Humphrey.
According to friends, McNamara loved to be around people and struggled with the decision to retire in 1970. She remained very active up until her death and is credited with being an outstanding bridge player.
Prior to arriving on CMU's campus in 1941 McNamara taught in the Pittsburgh Public Schools system and at Washington University in St. Louis.
She is a member of both the University of Pittsburgh and CMU hall of fames.
Even on her deathbed, McNamara's dry sense of humor and fierce competitive nature couldn't be contained.
"About a week before she died, Jane was lying in bed with hoses in her nose and everything else," Howard said. "She turned to me and said, 'How am I supposed to play field hockey with all this stuff on me?'"
sports@cm-life.com
