Bridgewater College

VIDEO: CHARLES KURTZ HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY

Charles Kurtz is an Augusta County native who was one of Bridgewater College's top offensive football lineman and an outstanding baseball player of the 1950s. Charles was an offensive guard and defensive linebacker, lettering for three years. He was elected captain of the 1954 football team and won Virginia Little Six All-State honors as a offensive guard in 1953 and 1954. Charles was a member of the basketball team and was a catcher on the baseball team. He was voted to the Virginia Little Seven All-State team as catcher in the spring of 1955. Charles was also a three-year member of the Monogram Club and served as President during 1954-55.

Charles received his Bachelor of Science degree from Bridgewater in 1955 and subsequently earned his Masters of Education degree from the University of Virginia in 1967. He made his life's work in education, starting his career at Parry McCluer High School in Buena Vista, Va. He served as a teacher, coach and principal there from 1955-65, before returning to Robert E. Lee High School in Staunton. Charles was assistant principal of Robert E. Lee from 1965-68 and he was principal from 1968 until his retirement in 1988.

Charles was a nine-year member of the Virginia Secondary Commission, where he was the Chairman from 1977-79, and served on many related councils, including: Executive Council, Reviewing Committee for Public Schools, Appeals Committee, and Committee on Financial Procedures. Furthermore, he was on the Executive Committee for the Virginia High School League from 1971-77, serving as Chairman from 1972-75. He served on the Board of Trustees for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools from 1979-83. Charles served Bridgewater College as a member of the Board of Trustees from 1964-72 and has been very active in the Church of the Brethren.

Charles' talent on the playing field and his leadership in Virginia education make him an exemplary member of the Bridgewater College Athletic Hall of Fame.