MVNU athletics presents inaugural Chet Foraker Legacy Award

MVNU honored former coach and athletic director Chet Foraker with the inaugural Chet Foraker Legacy Award during a presentation recently. From left are MVNU athletic director Chip Wilson, MVNU President Dr. Carson Castleman, Foraker and Mount Vernon Mayor Dr. Matt Starr. (Photo courtesy of Mount Vernon Nazarene University)

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — Mount Vernon Nazarene University athletics honored one of its founding leaders with the inaugural Chet Foraker Legacy Award, recognizing the lasting impact of the university’s first athletic director and head coach.

The award, which will be presented annually, recognizes individuals who demonstrate long-term commitment, servant leadership, and enduring influence on MVNU athletics.

Athletic Director Chip Wilson said the award reflects the foundation that Chet Foraker helped establish when the university launched its athletic programs.

“This award will become an annual honor recognizing individuals who exemplify long-term commitment, servant leadership and enduring impact on MVNU athletics,” Wilson said. “We are thankful for the opportunity to celebrate Chet and the legacy he established.”

Foraker played a central role in the early development of athletics at MVNU. When the university opened in 1968, he served as the first head coach of the men’s basketball program from 1968 to 1971, the first baseball coach from 1969 to 1971, and the institution’s first athletic director from 1970 to 1971. His leadership helped lay the groundwork for the university’s intercollegiate athletics program.

MVNU President Dr. Carson Castleman emphasized that the award honors more than athletic success.

“We honor what is honorable, and Chet Foraker is an honorable man,” Dr. Castleman said. “Coach Foraker helped lay the groundwork for intercollegiate athletics at MVNU, and his influence has extended across generations of students, athletes and coaches.”

Castleman noted that the award recognizes individuals whose service and character reflect Foraker’s example of loyalty, dedication and belief in the mission of the university.

Wilson also highlighted the spiritual foundation Foraker helped establish within the athletic department. Early MVNU yearbooks note that Foraker ensured prayer took place before every athletic competition prior to the national anthem — a tradition that continues today.

Beyond athletics, Foraker served as a faculty member who deeply cared for his students. During the university’s second year of operation, founding president Stephen W. Nease presented him with the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching during the 1969-70 academic year.

Foraker’s commitment to MVNU extended well beyond his coaching tenure. In 1993, he helped establish the Chet Foraker Endowment, which continues to support MVNU students, particularly those in the men’s basketball program. He was later inducted into the MVNU Wall of Fame in 1996.

During the ceremony, Dr. Matt Starr, mayor of Mount Vernon, presented a proclamation recognizing Foraker for his pioneering leadership and lasting contributions to the university and the Mount Vernon community.

The Chet Foraker Legacy Award will continue to honor individuals who reflect the values he exemplified throughout his life and career — faith, service, character and a deep commitment to Mount Vernon Nazarene University Athletics.

For more about MVNU athletics, visit mvnucougars.com.