Induction Video(Written: June 2015)For many years, Lydia C. Thering carried the torch of women’s athletics at UW-Superior. A staunch advocate for opportunities in sports for women, Thering played a prominent role in the infancy of women’s sports at UW-Superior, and through her tireless work, helped the athletics department expand its women’s sports offerings.
Prior to women’s sports achieving varsity status, Thering helped grow various programs, serving as the coach for Yellowjacket volleyball, tennis, softball and track & field teams during the 1960s and 1970s. From 1954-94, Thering taught in the UW-Superior physical education department. Throughout her tenure, she served as the director of women’s physical education, was the Assistant Dean of Women, and for 16 years, served as the director of women’s athletics.
For many years, Thering was the chairperson of the physical education department. Inducted into the UW-Superior Hall of Fame in 1996, Thering’s name appears on the UW-Superior Female Athlete of the Year Award, as well as the UW-Superior Hall of Fame Meritorious Service Award, which recognizes an individual who has made substantial and innovative contributions to the principles of wellness in society. The fieldhouse at UW-Superior, which opened in 2004, is named in her honor.
Thering earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education and health from State University of New York-Brockport, master’s degree in physical education from Washington State University and Ph.D. in education from the University of Tennessee. She resides in Duluth, Minn.