May 1, 2013

Jerry Mosser reflects on BU Athletic Department Growth

Jerry Mosser, the first inductee into the BU Athletics Hall of Fame and long-time Athletic Director and coach, reflects on the growth of Bruin Athletics

Dan Silvia, Bellevue University

Jerry Mosser might have earned the title of Foreman — after all, he practically built the Bellevue University Athletic Department from the ground up. But he prefers another moniker — one awarded him by BU athletes both past and present — simply Coach.

Mosser, the long-time athletic director and basketball coach at Bellevue University, was the lone inductee during the inaugural Bellevue University Athletics Hall of Fame Ceremony, Saturday, April 20, in the Gordon Lozier Athletic Center, a venue he helped build.

“Bellevue University Athletics is what it is today because of what he did four decades ago,” said John “Buzz” Garlock, the school’s Athlete of the Year in 1976 and a long-time contributor to the department.

Bellevue University, then Bellevue College, sported a much different profile in 1972 when Mosser signed on. The administration and library were housed in an old car dealership building and the art department in a former army barracks.

“The gym was also used for the faculty/staff Christmas Party,” Mosser explained. “We had a climbing rope we used to have Santa come down with presents for all.”

The athletic department and the University grew together during Mosser’s tenure. Earning accreditation was an achievement for both.

“One of the major obstacles when I first started was that the school was not accredited – hard to convince students to attend BC,” Mosser explained. “To be accepted by the North Central Accreditation team, the College had to upgrade their Gymnasium and Library Facilities. President (Richard) Winchell found financial assistance from one of the current board members, Allan Lozier, which he named after his father – Gordon Lozier.”

Early on Bellevue College competed in the Nebraska College Conference with then-Kearney State, Wayne State, Peru State and Chadron State. Challenging the larger state schools was a tough task.

“Because of the athletic facilities and scholarships available in the state schools it was hard to compete,” Mosser said. “Therefore, we joined the (Midlands Collegiate Athletic) Conference which had similar scholarships and comparable athletic programs including women sports which I feel made the athletic program complete.”

Bellevue University teams consistently finish at the top of the standings in the MCAC in all sports. As athletic director, Mosser’s impact was felt across all programs.

“Coach Mosser and his wife Gloria devoted their lives to building the Bellevue University athletic program culture,” said Annie (Viviano) McCartney, a Bellevue University volleyball player from 1993-96. “From the concession stand to the fireworks stand, from poinsettias sales, to clothing sales — they established fundraisers that allowed us to participate in the hard work that it took to become a successful and nationally recognized athletic program. As an athlete, I was able to take great pride in my experience because of Coach Mosser’s leadership.”

While Mosser may have worn the foreman’s hat during his time at Bellevue University, he is quick to credit the coaches for establishing and maintaining successful programs.

“The success of the program during the time I was Athletic Director was because of the dedication of all the coaches on staff,” Mosser said. “Most of these same coaches are still in their positions and carrying on their successful, dedicated tradition. My feelings have not changed since my retirement – I have always been proud of the athletic tradition and what Bellevue University means to so many past athletes.”

Mosser sees opportunities for the Bellevue University Athletic Department to enjoy even greater success.

“The Bellevue University campus continues to grow and expand,” he said. “I still wish the athletic facilities would also reflect that growth – it’s on my bucket list.”