Mary Lou (Doverspike) Russell was an exceptionally gifted athlete and contributor to Clarion University athletics. Mary Lou loved Tennis. As a student at Clarion in 1950 she decided to tryout for the Men’s Tennis team. She made it. She was such a great player that she played #6 singles on the men’s team in 1950 and 1951 and was the first female to play on a men’s team and compete collegiately on an equal basis. She earned a Varsity “C” Letter in 1950. In 1951 she played #6 singles and also in doubles matches for the Golden Eagles. She was 5-3 in singles play against the men’s teams. She also won several doubles matches. She taught for 12 years in the North Clarion School District, and then taught at Clarion Area for 28 years before retiring in 1992. Mary Lou joined the Clarion University Sports Hall of Fame Committee as an original member in 1988 and helped the committee produce its first Hall of Fame Class in 1989. Committed to excellence, she worked diligently as a Hall of Fame Committee person both in the election of its annual class, and in preparation of the Annual Sports Hall of Fame Induction banquet. Mary Lou passed away on November 23, 2007. We honor her with this induction. Her brother John Doverspike will accept induction on her behalf.
*1951 Clarion University Graduate-Secondary Education
*1950: Lettered on Clarion University Men's Tennis Team
*1951: Lettered on the Clarion University Men's Tennis Team
*1951: Posted a 5-3 Record at #6 Singles on Men's Tennis Team
*1951: Lettered on Men's Doubles Team
*Thru 1951-Only Female at Clarion on a Men's Varsity Team
*Earned two Varsity "C:" Letters
*1989-2007: Charter Member of Clarion University Sports
*Hall of Fame Executive Committee
*1989-2007: Hall Selection & Banquet Committees-Hall M.C.
