IADA Hall of Fame

Jerry Curtis served the Decatur Public School for thirty-seven years, from 1951 to 1988. His career began at the junior high where he taught physical education and was the intramural director for seven year. In 1957, he was a member of the original staff that opened Decatur MacArthur High School. Jerry served on the football coaching staff for thirteen years, and was the head wrestling coach for a year. In 1971, Jerry became the Athletic Director at MacArthur. He served in this position until his retirement in 1988. Jerry's involvement with the IADA began in 1977 when he served as the Assistant Hospitality Chairman for both the state and national conventions. He also chaired the Hospitality Committee in 1978. At the 1980 state convention in Peoria, he served as the assistant Exhibits Chairman and as the State Conference Manager at the 1982 convention in Decatur. He was the secretary of the association during the 1983-1984 school year and served on the IHSA Athletic Advisory Committee for three years (1985-19587). In 1983 he was chosen as one of the five Outstanding Athletic Directors of the year. In 1990 he was honored as an inductee into the Bloomington-Normal Athletic officials Hall of Fame. "Mr. Curtis was always willing to go the extra mile to help a student, a co-worker, and his profession. Jerry's interest and efforts went beyond the schools. as he continued to organize programs and projects for the Decatur Recreation Department, an agency of the Decatur Park District." stated former Decatur Superintendant Robert Oakes. "Jerry had an excellent relationship with the students, teachers, and coaches at MHS. They knew that he really about what he was doing and they responded in a like manner, The Decatur community can be proud of the contributions Jerry has made to the thousands of young people who are luckily enough to call him coach." states former MacArthur principal Marian Marian Fox.