Ursinus Athletics mourns the loss of former coach Ray Gurzynski

The Ursinus College Athletic Department is mourning the loss of former track coach and Professor Emeritus Raymond V. Gurzynski. Mr. Gurzynski, age 94, died April 22 at Brightview Assisted Living in East Norriton Twp., where he was a resident.

In addition to teaching in the Department of Health and Physical Education, he coached football, cross country, and indoor and outdoor track. He received the Lindback Award for excellence in teaching, the Bruins Club Award for support of the Ursinus College athletic program, and was inducted into the Ursinus Hall of Fame for Athletes.

Mr. Gurzynski graduated from Catasauqua High School in 1933, and from Ursinus College in 1939 with a B.S. in Health and Physical Education. In 1944 he received a Master of Education degree from Temple University. After teaching at the former Stewart Junior High School in Norristown, he returned to Ursinus College in 1947 and retired in 1985 as an Emeritus Professor of Health and Physical Education.

In 1981 he was selected as the honorary referee for the College Division of the Penn Relays. He was also inducted into the Chapel of the Four Chaplins. His track team won two Middle Atlantic Championships and had four undefeated seasons and six other times they lost only one meet. In one eight-year period were 66-6 and won 30 straight meets. He guided the cross country team to a remarkable 103-22 record. Nine of his teams had winning seasons, two were undefeated and two captured Middle Atlantic conference titles. During one stretch they won 34 straight meets. In his later years, he was regarded as the 'Dean of the Middle Atlantic States Collegiate Track Coaches.'

Mr. Gurzynski was involved in scouting, camping, recreational activities and received a number of honors from civic and professional organizations. He was a member of St. Teresa of Avila Church in Betzwood, where he was a member of the over 55 club and served as a Eucharistic minister.

In addition to his wife, Helen E. (Bosich) Gurzynski, he is survived by three children Mary Jones of Eagleville, Susan Griffith of Rotonda West, Fla. and John Gurzynski of Ivins, Utah, eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter Carol Gurzynski in 1972.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral Mass at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 27 at St. Teresa of Avila Church, 1260 S Trooper Rd., West Norriton Twp. Interment will take place in the Garden of Memories in Worcester Township. There will be no viewing.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 625 W Ridge Pike, Conshohocken, PA 19428.