Rochester Institute of Technology Athletics

Bruce E. Proper, a native of Brighton, N.Y., joined RIT in 1964. He became the baseball coach in 1966 and guided the Tigers to a 154-151-2 record over 11 seasons. In 1977, Proper led RIT to its first ECAC championship. Additionally, Proper was instrumental in several RIT players signing professional contracts. Along with baseball, Proper assisted in establishing a physical education program at RIT, which is still a major part of a RIT student’s course load. Proper became director of Physical Education, Intramurals and Recreation in 1977, a position he held until the summer of 1984 when he suffered a fatal heart attack. He was instrumental in the expansion of Institute recreation facilities, and in 1985, students dedicated a fitness center in Proper’s memory.