Art Sharpsteen

Waverly, NY - Art Sharpsteen was born June 21, 1909. At Waverly High School he played various sports including football, track and basketball. He graduated in 1928 and, after a year of work in NJ, he went to Ithaca College. He played on varsity sports of soccer (1 yr.), track and football (2 yrs each) and basketball (3 yrs). He graduated from the Ithaca College Physical Education school with a BS in 1934. He succeeded his mentor, Rollie Frederick, at Waverly in 1935 coaching all sports for 2 seasons. His success was noted and a move to Binghamton North came in 1937. At Central he started coaching JV basketball in 1938 and compiled an 80% winning record. At the varsity helm in 1943 and 1949-1956 he again had great success, winning 73 out of his last 81 and remaining unbeaten for two seasons at the new gym Central built in 1954. In 1956 he became Head Coach at Chenango Valley without a senior class the first season. He built a very strong and consistent basketball program all the way down to the 7th and 8th grades. He was named coach of the year with his last team in 1965 and that went unbeaten in the regular season 18-0.

Art's other love was golf. He was very competitive, starting with the caddie championships in Waverly. He and his long time partner, Dick Baldwin, competed successfully all over New York State. He continued to enter tournaments in Florida and usually won in his division there. He said "That's because there aren't any entrees in the 85+ group!"