Renzie W. Lamb, Assistant Professor of Physical Education, Emeritus
The record books will show the thirty-six years of coaching, the wins, the championships, the All Americans produced. They will not show your decades of dedication to the broad involvement of students in recreational sports and intramurals nor your important role in developing women’s athletics at Williams, including as long-time head coach of women’s squash. Nor could the record books capture your unique style. With whistle around the neck and cigar chomped between teeth, you prowled the practice field dispensing, with the lungs of a former Marine, a running commentary of advice, encouragement, rebuke, and philosophical asides on human nature and the affairs of the world — part General Patton and part Don Rickles. Spontaneity ruled: you might suddenly have the team practice the Star Spangled Banner, or, if things didn’t go well in the first half of a freshman football game, the entire offense and defense might be made to swap jobs. And, miraculously, it all worked. Or, to recast one of your favorite aphorisms, we can join your former athletes in saying that if you want to be happy for the rest of your life, be coached by Renzie Lamb.
I hereby declare you Assistant Professor of Physical Education, Emeritus, entitled to all the rights, honors, and privileges appertaining thereto.
June 6, 2004
Morton Owen Schapiro
President of the College