Elmer Kortemeyer (2000) - Hall of Fame

Elmer Kortemeyer

Induction:
2000

Dr. Jitu D. Kothari Meritorious Service Award

One of the most frustrating things in any sport is injuries. Colleges and universities spend a lot of time looking for the right person to make sure their athletes are in the best hands available. The University of Northern Iowa didn't have to look far for Elmer Kortemeyer.

The 1944 graduate of West Waterloo High School attended Iowa State Teachers College for one year before transferring to the University of Colorado. He received his Certificate of Physical Therapy in 1952. From there, Kortemeyer worked as staff therapist in Phoenix, Ariz., and in Hood River, Ore., before attending the University of Wyoming. He completed his B.S. in education in 1957 and a master's in 1962, majoring in physical education and general science with minors in health, recreation and industrial arts.

Kortemeyer returned to the Cedar Falls area as a UNI athletic trainer from 1965-77. He served as the Coordinator for Athletic Training Minors from 1970-1978, 1980-1981 and 1987-89, giving the program a much needed boost. His knowledge of the profession matched his enthusiasm for athletics.

Kortemeyer was the Athletic Trainer during the 1971-73 Shriner's North-South football game as well as the NCAA College Division National Wrestling Tournament in 1973. His experience led him to become the Head Athletic Trainer at the NCAA Division II Wrestling Tournament four years later.

Not only was he involved on the national scene, he also was on the campus scene. He was an innovator, developing the program he worked so hard in. He developed the UNI student training program and helped make it what it is today, including the development of the Athletic Training Certificate Program at UNI. His advancements in the program were not only visible at UNI, but other schools, as well. He developed the A.D. program and curriculum for Sports Therapy Technicians for the College of Health and Science for the University of Bahrain.