Louis (Doc) Joseph Cooke papers

Louis Joseph (L.J.) Cooke, M.D. Vermont Medical Department, University of Vermont (1894). Director of the Gymnasium (1897-1913); Head Basketball Coach (1897-1924); Head Gymnastics Coach (1897-1913); Medical Examiner and Director of Physical Education for Men (1913-1922); Assistant Director of Physical Education for Men, Director of Ticket Sales, and Lecturer (1922-1936); Professor Emeritus of Physical Education (1936-1943). YMCA Physical Director: Toledo, Ohio; Duluth, Minnesota; Burlington, Vermont; Minneapolis, Minnesota (1889-1897).

L.J. “Doc” Cooke was born February 15, 1868, in Toledo, Ohio. Following his public school education in Toledo and two summer sessions at the YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts, he enrolled in the University of Vermont, earning an M.D. degree in 1894 from the Vermont Medical Department.

From 1889 to 1897, Dr. Cooke served as a YMCA physical director in various U.S. cities. He worked part-time during 1897 as the Director of the Gymnasium for the University of Minnesota. In the fall of that year, Dr. Cooke became the full-time director, a position he held until 1913 when he was named Director of Physical Education for Men.

He introduced the game of basketball to the University and served as its head coach from 1897 to 1924, leading many championship teams including the undefeated 1919 team. Dr. Cooke also served as the head coach for the University’s gymnastics team from 1897 to 1913.

Dr. Cooke was instrumental in building the physical education and intercollegiate athletics programs for men at the University of Minnesota. In addition to his administrative responsibilities and gymnasium supervision, he also gave a series of well-known personal hygiene lectures to freshman students, highlighted by his advice often expressed in verse form.

Upon his retirement from the University in 1936, Dr. Cooke was named Professor Emeritus of Physical Education. He remained active in University athletics following retirement, traveling with the football team to away games and attending home events for all University athletics teams. At their April 20, 1938 meeting, the Board of Regents voted to name the Indoor Athletics Building for Dr. Cooke. A portrait of Dr. Cooke presented to him by the University’s M Club (athletics lettermen club) in 1937 was installed in the foyer of Cooke Hall following its naming.

L.J. Cooke died in Minneapolis, Minnesota on August 19, 1943.