"Good Morning, Jim"

by Dr. Philip B. Wels

The year was about 1937, and Jim Peele was the athletics director and football coach at UB. I was on the fencing team - there were five of us - and we went to Ohio State for a meet with OSU, Ohio Northern and Oberlin.

Funds at the time were minimal, so Coach Peele drove the team to the meet. The dean of students there was formerly dean of students at UB, and made arrangements for us to stay at a very nice hotel in one very large room that could accommodate around 30 people.

After checking in, we all got into the elevator, which was operated by a really cute, young girl. Of course, us five wise guys started inquiring about when she got off work and if she would like to get together. At that point, Coach Peele intervened and told us that we were fencing three meets in two days, and that we were to behave like gentlemen, have dinner and return to our room to turn in for the evening - which we did. Coach Peele left us to get a newspaper and we did not see him after that.

The next morning, ready for breakfast, we went to the elevator to get to the dining room. The same cute, young girl was there. At that point, we started our usual chatter, but she ignored us. She turned to Coach Peele and said, "Good morning, Jim!"