John Howard Starr

Who was John Howard Starr?

John Howard "Howie" Starr, was head coach of the Colgate University hockey team for 15 years. He born on John Street in New London, Connecticut in 1898. He died November 14, 1989, in Florida. A 40-year member of the Colgate faculty, Howie retired in 1965 when the University's hockey arena was named in his honor. As head coach of hockey for 15 years he won 87, lost 72 and tied four games. He was also Colgate's first swimming coach. He was Professor of Physical Education and Chairman of the Department of Physical Education and Intramural Athletics, Colgate University, 1926-1965.

A 1922 graduate of Springfield College, he came to Colgate in 1926 from Greenville, South Carolina where he had been Director of Health & Physical Education and basketball coach. At Colgate, he was an Assistant Professor of Physical Education,1926-1934; Associate Professor, 1934-1946, and a full Professor, 1946-1965. He instituted the first intramural athletic programs at Colgate in 1934. He was Coach of Swimming, 1926-1932; Coach of Ice Hockey, 1932-1950, and Coach of Gymnastics, 1928-1932. In 1965 at time of retirement, the ice rink was named Starr Rink.