Honoring Prominent Figures in Campus History: Athey and Kibler fields

While not necessarily a building, Athey Field is named after one of Washington College’s most prominent Athletic Directors.

Athey Field

In 1996 the college dedicated its baseball field to Edward L. Athey (1921-2010). In 1947 Athey graduated from Washington College, his graduation having been delayed by his time serving as a pilot in the military. After getting his master’s degree from Columbia University he returned to Washington College to coach and teach. For thirty-five years Athey coached numerous sports, including baseball, where he led the Shoremen to 280 career victories. The 1966 Pegasus was dedicated to him. He retired as Athletic Director in 1987 but continued coaching baseball until 1997.

With his sharp crew cut and linebacker build, Athey cut a distinctive silhouette, but his dedication to Washington College and its students made him an endeared figure. The Atheys have a long history with Washington College.  Athey’s son, Ed Athey, Jr. also attended Washington College.

While Athey coached several sports over his lengthy career, including soccer, basketball, and track, he coached baseball the longest, so it is appropriate that the baseball field at Washington College is dedicated to him.

Kibler Field

This summer Kibler Field has had a sod facelift. Keeping the turf in good shape is necessary for the many Shoremen and Shorewomen who practice and play on it. Many might be unfamiliar with Thomas J. Kibler (1886-1971), the man the field is named for, but generations of Washington College students and alumni knew Kibler not only for his contributions to the athletics department at the College but also as a mentor. Thomas J. Kibler came to Washington College in 1911 and served as its Athletic Director until 1947. He returned in 1952 to coach baseball and to assist the President, and he retired again in 1959. A Queen Anne’s native, Kibler played professional basketball for the old Eastern Shore league and later served as its President. He played minor league baseball as a shortstop beginning in 1910 with the Chillicothe Infants, later playing for the San Antonio Bronchos and the Newark Indians. His career ended due to a broken leg; professional baseball’s loss was Washington College’s gain. Along with coaching baseball, Kibler also coached football and basketball. It somehow seems fitting that he passed away while returning home from a World Series game in Baltimore. Tom Kibler was beloved and celebrated during his tenure at Washington College, and this field serves to continue his memory.