Hall of Fame
There are times when an individual’s feelings are best expressed through the words of another. For Richard Mauer ’51, those words came from his daughter, Karen. “Over the course of a person’s lifetime, there are many experiences which shape who we become. One of the most important for my father was his tenure at Trenton State.”
The path Mauer traveled to the College was unique and far different from student-athletes who suit up for the Lions today. He first achieved the rank of Lieutenant in the Arm Air Corp before playing professional baseball in the Philadelphia Phillies organization. From there, he enrolled in college to pursue a degree in physical education.
Mauer was a three-sport athlete for the College playing football, baseball, and basketball for the Lions. He play was the first-ever recipient of the Leon Emmons Memorial Trophy in 1951, which was awarded to the most outstanding athlete at the College.
Mauer earned four varsity letters on the baseball team playing from 1947 to 1951. He was the captain in 1951 and played shortstop for the Lions. Mauer hit .377 that year and led the team with 15 runs batted in. He was also fleet of foot stealing 20 bases including swiping home on three occasions.
A co-captain on the football team, Mauer played halfback, safety and quarterback at the College. He helped the team earn its historic win in 1949 that was documented in LIFE Magazine when State won its first game in 43 tries defeating Montclair 7-6. By his senior season, the Lions had turned reversed their fortunes posting a perfect record of 6-0 in 1951.
From 1947 to 1949, Mauer played guard for the varsity basketball team. He was also a member of Phi Epsilon Kappa, a Social Board Member, and the Men’s Athletic Association.
After graduating, Mauer taught elementary physical education for 35 years in Patchogue-Medford Schools. To say he remained active in sports would be an understatement. He remained active in baseball, softball, volleyball, and racquetball. At age 60, he began playing softball with the Long Island Senior Softball Association for the Tobay Tigers. That team went on to win the World Series Championship held in Scottsdale, Arizona in 1990. Mauer was named the tournament Most Valuable Player and was selected to the Senior All-Star Team.
Mauer also coached varsity football and baseball between 1952 and 1970. He was presented with the Jenken’s Memorial Award, an honorary award for commendable Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) participation in 1959 and was also named Teacher of the Year in 1984. Mauer also served as PTA president, Teacher’s Association president, and became a Lions Club member in 1965 and president in 1975.
Mauer has been a regular contributor to the College alumni activities since 1967.
