Feb. 23, 2006
Normal, Ill. -
Women and girls in sports lost a pioneer and an icon with the passing of retired Illinois High School Association Assistant Executive Director Ola Bundy earlier this week.
Illinois State will recognize Bundy and her impact on athletics in Illinois with a moment of silent reflection prior to the 8:05 p.m. tip-off for Thursday's Illinois State-Drake women's basketball game in Redbird Arena.
Bundy, who served the IHSA from 1967 until her retirement in 1996, took girls sports competition at the state level from non-existent to parity with boys sports with her drive and determination. Many of those girls state championships, including this weekend's IHSA Class A Girls State Basketball Tournament Finals, have been contested at Illinois State University facilities.
Over the years, Redbird athletics programs have benefited from Bundy's efforts. Currently, more than 60 percent of Illinois State's more than 180 female student-athletes, plus 14 coaches and staff members, played prep sports at an Illinois high school. Several competed in state championship events on the ISU campus.
Leanna Bordner, Illinois State associate athletics director and senior women's administrator, knew Bundy personally and values the scope of her professional work.
"Ola's influence on girls interscholastic sports extended beyond Illinois to other states around the country," said Bordner. "Her leadership brought about, not only a higher level of competitiveness, but a higher level of respect for women in sports. Her efforts and her sacrifices were not just to give females the right to a fair shake, but the right to stand at center court. "
Bundy was recognized for that national leadership. She was enshrined in the National High School Sports Hall of Fame in 1996, with her hall of fame plaque recognizing her fight for equal treatment for boys and girls in high school sports and activities.
A memorial service for Bundy will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 5, in the Bloomington High School Auditorium.
