Ohio Northern to name a locker room in honor of Bev Daugherty

By Jack Jeffrey

ADA — A ceremony to name a locker room in Ohio Northern University's King Horn Sports Center in honor of Beverly "Bev" Daugherty will be held at 10:45 a.m. Saturday.

Daugherty is the late wife of longtime ONU men's basketball coach Gale Daugherty.

Bev Daugherty, known for her kindness, warmth and engaging personality, was a surrogate mother to countless ONU basketball players during their time on campus.

While her husband, Gale, served as the men's basketball coach from 1972-92, Bev was at the side of her husband and his players, offering encouragement, support and a constant upbeat attitude.

She was known for her devotion to her husband and his players as well as the home-cooked meals she prepared for the players when away from home during Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks.

"Bev Daugherty was devoted to her husband, her family, all the players who ever put on a Polar Bear uniform and to Ohio Northern University," said Dave Smalley, a 1981 graduate of ONU who played guard for the Polar Bears. "She was involved in so many ways, from the unrivaled passion at every game, to the many miles she traveled in support of ONU, to the team meals she prepared over the years. She did so many things behind the scenes in support of the basketball program. Through all this, Mrs. 'D' exemplified total commitment to ONU basketball in every way and was one of the many reasons why being a Polar Bear basketball player was so special for all of us."

Bev Daugherty, who passed away Nov. 26, 2012, was born in Newburgh, N.Y. She was an excellent speed skater, competing at venues such as Lake Placid and Madison Square Garden.

She and Gale married in 1965, and she was the mother of four children – Vicki, Brenda, Ernie and Heather – in addition to seven grandsons.

She graduated from the State University of New York at New Paltz with a degree in English/education. Bev Daugherty worked in the Communication Skills Center at ONU, tutoring students in writing and speaking. She also taught Sunday school and was active in numerous civic and campus organizations.

Additionally, Bev Daugherty taught high school English in New York, Colorado, Maryland and Ohio.