Hall of Fame
Physical activity has always been an important component of Jean Wills Runstedler’s life. From the time she was a young girl participating in city organized track and field competitions, she knew that sport, whether participating, coaching or officiating, would help shape her life path.
Runstedler excelled in many of the athletic activities offered by the University of Toronto, but she was particularly gifted on the basketball court. A member of the women’s basketball team from 1957-59, Runstedler served as captain in her final year. She was an important part of the championship team in 1958, leading the team in scoring and helping to re-capture the ‘Bronze Baby’ for U of T. In addition to intercollegiate basketball and archery, she also played intramural basketball for three years (twice champions), baseball, badminton and synchronized swimming; and served on the Women’s Athletic Directorate. She earned her Silver T in 1959 and has been active in the Women’s T-Holders’ Association for more than 40 years.
Upon graduation, Runstedler became a secondary school physical education teacher. Her active participation as a coach and instructor was recognized by the Ontario Federation of Secondary School Athletic Associations in 1988 with the Pete Beech Award. This award is given to a teacher and coach for consistently providing a positive influence, stability and displaying optimism toward his or her students. An active participant for many years with the Canadian Officials Rating Board (CORB), Runstedler was a CORB national official in basketball and volleyball and served as the CORB convenor for central and southern Ontario. Now retired, Jean Wills Runstedler volunteers, plays badminton, swims, takes aquafit classes, and is an avid bridge player.
