Casey Conrad: a fitness legend - California athletic official - obituary

American Fitness, Sept-Oct, 1990 by Richard Keelor

Casey Conrad

How can one pay tribute to a legend? Casey would roll his eyes at such a suggestion and say, "Aw, come on...!" But it's true. Casey Conrad touched thousands of lives--deeply. During his professional service of nearly 50 ears no one inspired more enthusiasm and dedication. Perhaps his greatest contribution was simple leadership. Not just giving it, but teaching it to his "troops."

For over 17 years he was California's Chief for Athletics, Recreations, Health and Physical Education. During his time in that position over 5 million kids enjoyed daily physical education in grades K-12. Mostly because he knew how to work with state legislatures and was a master at defending the right of every kid to quality fitness programs.

His leadership was recognized by John F. Kennedy who in 1961 appointed him a Presidential Special Advisor to the President's Council on Physical Fitness. Both Presidents Johnson and Nixon had the good sense to continue his appointment and in 1970, Nixon made him the Executive Director. He was subsequently reappointed by Presidents Ford, Carter and Reagan. For 14 years through Republican and Democratic administrations, Conrad's steady hand guided the fitness ship of state through its most robust period of development. The incredible thing is that he did it with only five staff members and a miniscule budget of less than $2 million.

Casey believed in the federal government working with the private sector for the mutual good of the American people. He parlayed that measly $2 million a year into over $700 million of private sector support of the cause of fitness during his 14 years at the Council's helm--a record that no other federal agency can even come close to. More important to fitness professionals, Casey Conrad paved the way for many of the big fitness names by giving his unselfish support and encouragement to their efforts. Many of us enjoying opportunities in fitness today can give him thanks.

Few people full understand the incredible vision and "hidden hand" influence Casey had in shaping the fitness and health of today. The fight for daily physical education, fitness in business and industry, fitness for the elderly, and the emphasis on military fitness can all be traced back in large measure to Conrad's leadership. This may seem a bit exaggerated, but it is true.

There is so much more: Casey the man, the loyal friend to many, the fighter (even the most adroit politician quaked at Conrad's assault when he felt the need to defend that fitness cause). Casey was also a scholar, a great athlete, a man of incredible wit and wisdom with great spiritual convictions. And all of these qualities live on in the spirit of millions of Americans and hundreds of thousands of fitness leaders and teachers who press on believing as Casey lived: that regular vigorous exercise can do more for the health and vigor of our nation that all the medical schemes, governmental regulations and public health service dictums combined.

On July 9, 1990, Casey Conrad, the citadel of the moderm fitness movement, did what he always loved to do. He went into the pool to get his daily lap workout. This time he swam into heaven.

Richard Keelor, Ph.D., is president of Health Designs International in Raleigh, North Carolina. He has received numerous titles and awards as a leader in the fitness field--his most prized being, "close friend and protege" of Casey Conrad.