Archival Research Project: History of SUNY Cortland Varsity Sports, 1950-2024

Authors: Maria Deraco, Nancy Kane, Ashley Schappi

SUNY Campus: SUNY Cortland

Presentation Type: Poster

Location: Old Union Hall

Presentation #: 19

Timeslot: Session A 9:00-10:00 AM

Abstract: Students in History and Philosophy of Physical Education and Sport classes conducted archival research to compile a history of varsity sports at SUNY Cortland from 1950-2024. Student groups of three to four chose their topic from a list prepared by professor Nancy Kane. Working with the Cortland Memorial Library Archivist Brian Jirout and Cortland Sport Information Director Fran Elia, students created a spiral-bound collection of research papers detailing sports, facilities, and funders who have made the Cortland Varsity Sports program a SUNY success story. The project was begun and completed during the fall semester of 2024. Students met with the Archivist and the Sport Information Director to discover resources, and worked throughout the semester with student assistant editors on this scaffolded learning experience. Funded by a Cortland Teaching Innovation Award granted to Dr. Kane, the final product was printed at Ithaca College and distributed to all who worked on it, as well as to the Cortland President, Director of the Library, Director of Alumni Relations, and Department Chairs in Kinesiology, Physical Education, and Sport Management. In addition to gaining insight into local history research methods and historical writing, students gained project-based learning skills in group dynamics, cooperation, and conflict resolution. They worked on competencies for a career-ready workforce, based on the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) list of real-world skills needed for hiring and promotion.