Larimer's Athletic Training Room Named in Memory of Dave Huffstetler
8/21/2014 4:24:00 PM | Sports Medicine
This is the eighth in a series of articles highlighting contributors to the renovation of the University of Toledo's Larimer Athletic Complex.
TOLEDO, OH - Honoring a long-time friend was Denny and Sheila Johnson's primary focus when the couple decided to donate $100,000 for the renovated Larimer Athletic Complex. As a result of their extreme generosity, the athletic training room will be named in memory of former head athletic trainer Dave Huffstetler. Huffstetler served in his post with the Rocket football program from 1984-2008.
"Dave was a neighbor and a great friend of our family who was taken early from us," Denny said. "He contributed in so many ways to the success of the athletic department, in addition to guiding students to future careers in the sports medicine profession. We thought it was a good way for him to be recognized."
"We are very gracious for Denny's gift and decision to honor Dave's legacy in the Larimer Athletic Complex," Vice-President and Athletic Director Mike O'Brien said. "Dave was a tremendous individual who impacted many lives, and it's wonderful that his contributions will always be remembered due to the generosity of Denny and Sheila."
Denny and Sheila, who is a UT graduate, wanted to direct their contributions toward an area which doesn't receive as much notoriety but is critical to the overall athletic program.
"Dave was one of many people who labored in the background," said Denny, a suite holder for both Rocket football and basketball games. "Individuals like Dave are very important to providing an all-encompassing experience for student-athletes. The Larimer building allows the University to provide resources in the areas of academics, strength training, and injury prevention, and rehabilitation. Those are all intertwined for a program's success, and if those services aren't available, the success seen on the field wouldn't be possible."
Another important factor for the Johnsons regarding the Larimer renovation was that it will allow UT to impact student-athlete lives long after their playing days are over.
"The facility is important for all UT student-athletes from an academic perspective and that's something that can get overlooked," Denny said. "The life skills learned in the Larimer Complex are ones that can impact individuals for a lifetime. Having a facility like Larimer in intercollegiate athletics is not a luxury but is essential to help these young people be successful on and off the field."
As President of Brooks Insurance Agency and a Toledo native, Denny also is a strong supporter of general University initiatives and recognizes the enormous impact the University has in Northwest Ohio.
"The University of Toledo is a significant presence in our community and a huge resource to our community at large," said Denny, who serves on the boards for numerous community initiatives. "It provides access to a lot of people, which is important from both a short- and long-term perspective. That enables many people to achieve their goals and objectives that make our community a better place."
For more information on how to help support the Larimer Athletic Complex Renovation project, please contact senior associate athletic director Dave Nottke (419-530-2510 / david.nottke@utoledo.edu) or major gifts officer Dan Stong (419-530-5525 / daniel.stong@utoledo.edu).
