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By Mike Pearson
FightingIllini.com
Just as George Huff is known as the “Father of Illini Athletics”, so too should Ella Morrison, Jeanette Lincoln, Gertrude Moulton, Louise Freer and Laura Huelster be recognized as the “Mother” for their pioneering contributions on the women’s side of sports at the University of Illinois.
University of Illinois Women’s Physical Education Department Heads
Years
Ella Morrison
1896-1900
Jeanette Lincoln
1900-09
Gertrude Moulton
1909-15
Louise Freer
1915-49
Laura Huelster
1949-66
Instruction in calisthenics was first offered to U of I women through the School of Domestic Science in 1874 and became mandatory for female students two years later. In 1895, when separate department of physical education were established for men and women, 25-year-old Ella Morrison of Bement was appointed as Director of Physical Culture for Women.
It wasn’t until 1924 when the first female graduate earned a bachelor’s degree in education under the major of physical education. A master’s degree program appeared in 1942.
In 1917, Freer authored an article for the Daily Illini, writing that “there is no university where the girls derive more benefit and enjoyment from the physical education than at Illinois.”
Ella Morrison
Ella Morrison (1896-1900)
Born in Bement in 1870, just 31 miles from the University of Illinois campus, Ella Morrison became Director of Physical Culture for Women. Under her guidance, the U of I allowed club competition in sports, including basketball. She died in 1934.
Jeanette Carpenter Lincoln (1900-1909)
Jeanette Lincoln succeeded Morrison in 1900, the same year women were first allowed to compete in the Olympic games. In 1903, the Women’s Athletic Association was formed under her…
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