Dr. Gene A. Carpenter, emeritus professor in wellness and sports sciences, retired from MU in 2001 after 31 years of teaching, advising, coaching and serving at the director of men's athletics and Head Football Coach. He became the winningest coach in program history (1970-2000 with a 212-89-6 record) and guided some of the school's most successful teams. His 1988 club captured the ECAC Lambert-Meadowlands Cup Championship. 49 of his players were named All-American. Statistically, he produced 12 seasons with eight or more victories; posted winning records in 28 of his 31 seasons (including 12 straight from 1971 to 1982, and 10 in succession since 1992).
As Director of Men's Athletics (1981-1997), he administered a strong, nine-sport intercollegiate program that made its mark on the conference, regional and national scenes. During his tenure, the men's cross country team won the NCAA Division II title and PSAC crowns in both basketball and tennis. Team and individual post-season qualifiers were a yearly norm, as was the selection of All-Americans in several sports.
Carpenter has led successful efforts to improve facilities and student-athllete scholarship support. He has also been active with many organizations including several committees with the NCAA; Maxwell's Football Club and the American Football Coaches Council.
He has also garnered many awards and accolades including PSAC Eastern Division Coach of the Year (1977, 1981); Central Chapter and Susquehanna Valley Chapter, Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame; the George W. Kirchner Award. Lancaster Sportswriters & Sportscasters Association for outstanding contributions to Lancaster County sports; Lancaster-Lebanon Berks Quarterback Clue Recognition Award; Philadelphia City All-Star Football Association "First and Goal" recipient as an outstanding role model and was named an Honorary Alumnus by the MU Alumni Association. He has also served on the staffs of many national and regional football clinics and has been a popular speaker at banquets and motivational seminars.
Carpenter earned a bachelor's degree in health and physical education from Huron University, a master's degree in health and physical education from Adams State, and a Ph.Ed., from the University of Utah. In 2002, he was recognized with an honorary degree from Millersville.
Carpenter and his wife, Sandy, reside in Lancaster and have five children and several grandchildren. Carpenter and Marjorie A. Trout are both being recognized this Homecoming Weekend with the new facility entitled The Carpenter-Trout Athletic Training Facility, for the demonstrated outstanding service to the University. Additionally, the men's locker room within the Biemesderfer Stadium complex has recently been named the Dr. Gene A. Carpenter Locker Room.
