Temple University Athletics
Temple Names Its Athletic Office The Ernest C. Casale Intercollegiate Athletics Suite
11.7.08 | General
Nov. 7, 2008
PHILADELPHIA - Temple University officially named its Athletic Office The Ernest C. Casale Intercollegiate Athletics Suite on Friday in a formal ceremony. Casale, who served the second longest term as a Temple Athletic Director (1959-82), was regarded as one of the most influential athletic administrators in Philadelphia Intercollegiate Athletics.
"When one thinks of Temple athletics the name Ernie Casale comes quickly to mind, so it is only fitting that our athletics suite bears his name." said current Director of Athletics Bill Bradshaw. "He was the consummate professional and one of the most respected athletic directors not only at Temple and in the Philadelphia area, but nationally."
Casale, who passed away in 1999, first became affiliated with Temple University when he enrolled as a student in 1936. He played three seasons of varsity baseball with the Owls, under then head coach Pep Young. Upon graduation, Casale enlisted in the military, serving his country during both World War II and the Korean War.
Casale returned to Temple following World War II to teach mathematics, a subject he instructed throughout his tenure as the University. After completing his tour of duty in Korea, Casale returned to his beloved alma mater, where he became head baseball coach in 1953. In that role, he guided the Cherry and White to two NCAA Tournament appearances, the program's first conference (MAC) championship, while compiling a 85-48-3 record, the highest winning percentage (.636) by a Temple baseball coach.
The Philadelphia native (Germantown High) retired from coaching following the 1959 MAC Championship season to become Temple's third Athletic Director. During his tenure, he oversaw the growth of Owl athletics, which included moving from the Middle Atlantic Conference to the East Coast Conference, where he served as Commissioner from the league's formation in 1974 until the mid-80s. He also helped improve the competitiveness of Temple athletics, which included the 1969 NIT Championship in men's basketball, the 1979 Garden State Bowl victory by football and the 1982 National Championship by women's lacrosse.
A 1974 inductee into the Temple University Athletics Hall of Fame, Casale is also a member of the Philadelphia Big 5 Hall of Fame (1982). He was involved in various committees during his tenure at Temple, including a seven-year term on the NCAA Council and a six-year term on the NCAA Basketball Tournament Committee. He also championed Temple's successful bids to host the 1976 and 1981 NCAA Final Fours at the Spectrum.
His wife, Ann, and son Rich, who played baseball at Temple and still owns the single season record for lowest ERA (1.15, 1973), were among many family members and friends present at the ceremony.
