Today in Wheeling History: February 25--Dr. Albert M. Blatnik, beloved educator and coach, passed away in Wheeling, WV (2011).
Albert Michael Blatnik was born on May 2, 1923, in Bridgeport, Ohio. He graduated from Bridgeport High School and went on to earn his undergraduate degree from West Liberty University. Blatnik furthered his education with a Master's Degree in Science from the University of Pittsburgh and a Doctorate of Education from West Virginia University. During World War II, he served as an Army veteran, participating in the Battle of the Bulge and the Korean Conflict.
Blatnik began his professional career as a teacher and coach at Bridgeport High School and St. Clairsville High School in Ohio. He later became a professor, coach, Athletic Director, and Chairman of the School of Health and Physical Education at West Liberty University. His dedication to sports and education led to his induction into the West Liberty Sports Hall of Fame, the West Liberty University Academy, and the West Virginia University School of Physical Education Hall of Fame.
Blatnik was also a member of the Ohio County Board of Education for 12 years, serving as its president. He was deeply involved in the community, opening the Hole 'n Run fitness center in 1979 with his son Floyd. Blatnik passed away on February 25, 2011, in Wheeling, West Virginia, and is remembered for his lasting impact on education and sports in the region.
To learn more: Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/c4unuwn2), The Times Leader (https://tinyurl.com/3x44kfk3), West Liberty University (https://tinyurl.com/bdf2wzta)
Photo credits: Altmeyer Funeral Homes, Google Maps
Albert Michael Blatnik was born on May 2, 1923, in Bridgeport, Ohio. He graduated from Bridgeport High School and went on to earn his undergraduate degree from West Liberty University. Blatnik furthered his education with a Master's Degree in Science from the University of Pittsburgh and a Doctorate of Education from West Virginia University. During World War II, he served as an Army veteran, participating in the Battle of the Bulge and the Korean Conflict.
Blatnik began his professional career as a teacher and coach at Bridgeport High School and St. Clairsville High School in Ohio. He later became a professor, coach, Athletic Director, and Chairman of the School of Health and Physical Education at West Liberty University. His dedication to sports and education led to his induction into the West Liberty Sports Hall of Fame, the West Liberty University Academy, and the West Virginia University School of Physical Education Hall of Fame.
Blatnik was also a member of the Ohio County Board of Education for 12 years, serving as its president. He was deeply involved in the community, opening the Hole 'n Run fitness center in 1979 with his son Floyd. Blatnik passed away on February 25, 2011, in Wheeling, West Virginia, and is remembered for his lasting impact on education and sports in the region.
To learn more: Wikipedia (https://tinyurl.com/c4unuwn2), The Times Leader (https://tinyurl.com/3x44kfk3), West Liberty University (https://tinyurl.com/bdf2wzta)
Photo credits: Altmeyer Funeral Homes, Google Maps
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