2018 Inductees
Tracy Schoenadel
Tracy Schoenadel joined SMG Insight in 2015 from Kantar Media where she was vice
president of the U.S. office for sports intelligence. From 2000 to 2007, she
was the executive director of the industry-leading ESPN Sports Poll. Schoenadel
has held numerous academic positions and has written chapters addressing the
methodologies of sponsorship research. Schoenadel was the original managing editor
of the publication,
Sport Marketing Quarterly. Schoenadel is one of the leading authorities
in sport marketing and sponsorship research and has been quoted in numerous national
publications. At SMG Insight/YouGov, Schoenadel oversees the North American and
Australian territories from her New York City office. During her academic studies
in Morgantown, Schoenadel worked nine years at the WVU football office providing
support of administrative duties related to recruiting and eligibility. Schoenadel
is a long-time resident of Connecticut where she has lived for 23 years with
her spouse, and fellow Mountaineer, Laura Boyd. In 2008, Tracy and Laura became
members of Woodburn Circle Society, recognizing cumulative gifts or pledges of
$100,000 or more to benefit WVU.
David Taylor
David Taylor is currently the director of leadership and business operations for
LDR. Taylor earned his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with a minor
in Athletic Training from WVU in 1996 and was a distinguished military graduate
from WVU Army ROTC in 1997 when he received his commission as an infantry officer.
As an Army Ranger, Tayler served for 24 years in the United States Army. Taylor
spent most of his career in the special operations forces, serving with the Army’s
elite 75th Ranger Regiment and the Joint Special Operation Command. In his 24-year
military career, Taylor held multiple leadership positions in various environments
from stateside to Iraq and Afghanistan and deployed to combat eight times. While
serving in the Pentagon, Taylor was involved daily in aiding our nation’s most
senior civilian and military leadership with decision making. Taylor’s last assignment
in the Army was to command at The Old Guard, Soldiers responsible for laying
our nation’s fallen heroes to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. Taylor was
awarded the Legion of Merit and four Bronze Star medals.
Deborah Thorpe
Dr. Debbie Thorpe received her BS in Elementary Education (1979) and her MS in Motor
Development and Motor Learning (1983) from WVU. She taught elementary education
at North Elementary School, Morgantown, WV for six years. She received her physical
therapy degree from the University of New England (1988) and her PhD from the
Medical College of Pennsylvania and Hahnemann University (1998). Thorpe is presently
an associate professor, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel
Hill, having served for 20 years. She received the United Cerebral Palsy Association
Research and Education Foundation, Ethel Hausman Clinical Research Scholars Award
(2003). Thorpe received the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Academy
of Pediatric Physical Therapy Anniversary Award (2013) and the APTA Aquatic Section,
Richard Ruoti Award for Excellence in Research (2015). Her research focuses on
prevention of secondary conditions through fitness and physical activity for
persons with developmental disabilities across the life course. Thorpe was chosen
as a “Health Care Hero” by the North Carolina, Triangle Business Journal honoring
a medical professional who shows exemplary performance in his or her field (2017).
Richard Tucci
Richard Tucci received a BS in Physical Education and Biology (1966), and a MS in
Physical Education (1967). Tucci wrestled four years under Coach Steve Harrick
and helped coach as a graduate assistant (1966-1967). Tucci began officiating
wrestling as a senior at WVU with his first match at Morgantown High School.
He taught school in Miami for 39 years with 10 years as a teacher and coach at
Miami Dade Community College. He received his international license (1973) and
has served at head official for every Olympic and World Team trial since 1980. He received the Golden Whistle as the Outstanding International Official of the
year (1988 Olympics). Tucci has served as president of the US wrestling officials’
association since 1988. He received the USA Wrestling Man of The Year (1997) and was inducted into the National Distinguished Hall of Fame (1994), the National High
School Hall of Fame (2011), the National Junior College Hall of Fame (1984),
the Florida Wrestling School Hall of Fame (2000) and the International World
Wrestling Olympic Hall of Fame (2016).