USA Volleyball remembers John Ketchum

by Katherine Wingert USA Volleyball PR Intern

For those who knew him, John Ketchum will always be remembered for his lifelong dedication and service to volleyball. For those who didn't know him, it's a shame, for they will never be able to thank the man that has done so much for the sport.

On June 30, John W. Ketchum died in Sun Lakes, Ariz., after previously surviving two strokes. He was 86.

Many would say he was known for his dedication. But what does that mean? Well, one could site the fact that he won various awards for his work with volleyball and even had the 2000 National Open Championships dedicated to him. But to truly understand Ketchum's love for the game, we would have to trace it back to a YMCA in Piqua, Ohio, when, as a 16 year-old, he began his lifelong affair with the sport he loved.

In 1948 he moved to Columbus, Ohio, to open his own business, Ketchum & Watson. He was a manufacturers' representative in the field of industrial ventilating and finishing equipment. Despite his successful business ventures, he always made time for volleyball, and played every chance he got. He played with the local YMCA and earned honorable mention All-American honors in 1951 and 1952.

Ketchum soon became involved as a volunteer leader in the YMCA and the United States Volleyball Association (USVBA). He served as the chairman of the YMCA Volleyball Council for many years, and in the USVBA he took on numerous positions during his time there, including Vice President (1962-69) and as a member of the executive committee for more than 10 years. In 1958 he was honored with the Leader in Volleyball award from the USVBA. Always giving freely of his time, he also served on committees for the National Tournament Site Selection, Public Relations, Olympic Selections and player and team eligibility. He also represented the National Council of YMCAs on the USVBA Board.

"He was a volunteer in the strictest sense of the word," said June Lobeck, Manager of Executive Operations for USA Volleyball.

In 1952 he fought to bring the National Open Championships to Columbus. Forty-eight years later, the next time the championships were held in Columbus, the tournament was dedicated to him. This was only a small part of what John did for volleyball in Ohio, for in the 60s and 70s, he was responsible for starting and sponsoring many club teams, one of the only ways to play back then. The U.S. Men's National Team coach, Doug Beal, was one of the players on a team sponsored by Ketchum, and said that Ketchum was a major catalyst for volleyball in Columbus, giving young players the opportunity to play.

"He was instrumental in creating a strong club," Beal said. "He recruited Mark Watson, a great coach, and got him to move to Columbus to coach the team. He was always extremely generous and supported me in everything I did with volleyball."

Ketchum was special for more than just his great gift for promoting and helping volleyball. He made a point to travel to every U.S. National Open Championship. However, just like everything he did in life, he did it with his own flair.

"John always fancied himself a gourmet cook," Beal said. "So when he came to town for nationals, he would research all the restaurants and find the one that was supposed to have the best food. He would then take everyone out, and he'd get all decked out, dressed up in his suit. He was just a wonderful guy."

Always known for his social demeanor and active lifestyle, Ketchum also enjoyed playing tennis, and played volleyball as long as he was able. Beal remembers times when he would get done with practice and enter the YMCA only to find John playing there at noon.

"He must have been in his 50s," Beal said. "But he was in there, and he'd still be playing. He was a great player in his day, and he loved it."

"He just loved being around volleyball people," Lobeck said. "It was a big, big part of his life."

Volleyball was certainly a huge part of Ketchum's life, and the sport owes him a debt it can never repay for all his contributions. He will always be remembered for his generosity towards everyone he encountered, and a pure heart that guided him to do wonderful things, simply for love of the game.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Sally Ketchum.

For more information, go to the USA Volleyball website.