- Barker Central School District
- Sports Stories
- Sports Stories - Special Features
Sports Stories
Page Navigation
December 8, 2017 - Coleman-Otto Inducted Into Section VI Hall Of Fame
Coleman-Otto Inducted Into Section VI Hall Of Fame
December 8, 2017
ELMA -- On December 8th, Mrs. Judith Coleman-Otto was inducted into the Section VI Hall of Fame for her impressive coaching resume. “It has been my life long passion to teach and coach, so therefore Title IX and the girls sports program at Barker became my mode of operation,“ stated Mrs. Otto in her Hall of Fame acceptance speech. Not only was she a very decorated coach, but an advocate for females and athletics. In addition she has worked for Section VI for well over 20 years as a field hockey and volleyball chairwoman. Her career highlights include:
- 313 field hockey wins
- 13 Niagara-Orleans League titles
- 15 Section VI Championships
- 15 NYSPHSAA State Tournament appearances
- 3 Far West Regional Championships
- 2 Trips to the State Final Four
- 1 State Finals Class D Silver Medal
Mrs. Otto's career began in 1970 when she informed her parents that she wasnted to be a physical education teacher and coach. "Title IX was instituted in June of 1972 and all the schools had to reorganize their sports programs and reallocate their funds," she said. "We had to challenge the establishment to secure equal opportunities for the girls, which meant ordering uniforms, sharing equipment and facilities that were always there for the boys, recognition and equal treatment for the girls. So I coached all four sports, JV and Varsity, and drove the bus. Before Title IX, 1 in 27 girls participated in high school varsity sports. Today, 2 of five play. Equally important, playing sports has influenced the lives of women long after they leave the locker room and playing fields. At the athletes table tonight are doctors, educators, coaches, veterinarians and researchers in pharmacy. 89% of female executives attribute their business success to participation in sports. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that I stood on the shoulders of former Niagara-Orleans League coaches and officials who also advocated for girls sports:
- Jan Williams from Akron
- Bev Blewett from Newfane
- Barb Kruezer from Starpoint
- Nationally rated official Deb Clark
"I have worked with the best all down the line. All of you have contributed to this positive progression of girls sports."
As grateful as she was for the prestigious award, it was the simple opportunity to coach and teach generations of girls that has been the ultimate reward. The impact Mrs. Otto has made on so many females was evident by the number of former players that were in attendance in support of her receiving this lifetime achievement award.
Pictures (Top-Bottom) are of the following:
Emily Klatt ('10), Amber Flint Cleveland ('02), Melissa Flint ('04), Judith Coleman-Otto, Sara Beilein-Capen ('90), Bridget Beilein ('97), Julie Beilein-Caughill ('92) celebrate Mrs. Otto’s Hall Fame Induction.
Mrs. Otto receives her Section VI Hall of Fame plaque from Mr. Timm Slade, Section VI Executive Director (photo courtesy of Section VI).
Mrs. Otto with Mindy Udell-Schwartz ('96) and husband Dan Schwartz.
Mrs. Otto, flanked by Barb Kruezer and Deb Clark.
The Beilein Family (Bridget, Sara, Julie and mom Lindy) with Mrs. Otto.
Mrs. Otto with the entire Section VI Hall of Fame Class of 2017.