Hubert C. "Ted" Hersey
1929-2016

St. George’s longest-serving faculty member, the legendary teacher and coach Hubert C. “Ted” Hersey, died peacefully in Newport, R.I., on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. He was 86.

Hundreds of former students were the beneficiaries of Mr. Hersey’s talents between 1952 and 2001: His innovative teaching of science, predominantly physics, and his sage and compassionate coaching enriched the lives of generations of our graduates.

Appreciation and Memories

Without doubt the teacher, coach and mentor who guided, cajoled, prodded and convinced me to always try my best, no matter what. I only learned of his passing now (Sept. 2018). Ted was the individual whose influence on me I still think about today! Simply a wonderful man.
—Peter Gerrard ’65

***

It is amazing to think that as we are having a national discussion as to the dearth of women in STEM fields, 20 years ago, in Mr. Hersey's Advanced Placement Physics Class, the girls outnumbered the boys. He exuded a quiet confidence that all we had to do was work through the problem sets and we would succeed. And we did. Thank you, Mr. Hersey, you inspired us and we are grateful to have benefited from your unique gifts.
— Donna Childs ’83

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This man changed my life. He brought about a love of sport and physical conditioning that altered my path forever. I've made a career out of simply replicating his coaching philosophy and implementing his training principles. Sometimes I'll catch myself repeating things to my own runners that he said to me during my own races. The "personal best" philosophy is alive and well. This man was a paragon in both enlightened teaching and the coaching of athletics. When today's students run on the Hersey Track, I hope they will consider every now and then what the man stood for - unflinching commitment to and care for those relying on him, excellence in all personal pursuits, competition for competition's sake, and the endless potential of the individual. It's heartbreaking to learn of his passing - there's so much I should have told him; so much I wish I could say now. Coach Hersey lived a life of excellence and gave of himself at every turn. God bless Ted, his family, and all that were touched by this man's invincible heart.
— Travis Hunt ’97

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Ted Hersey banished me to MIT in my senior year and I have been forever grateful. True, he may have had cause: I nearly electrocuted him in the physics lab, wiped out the chapel lights with another experiment in a plasma torch gone wrong, started a fire in Richard Grosvenor's shop with a Van de Graph generator I was building for him; and Geza Teliki and I got in a lot of trouble timing falling objects from the chapel tower trying to prove his physics with our lousy stopwatch and eyes. I have thought of him and the interest in physics he taught me to live, lo every week or so, these past 55 years. Rest in peace, Mr. Hersey, and many, many thanks.
—Richard Ely ’62

***

We were 13-0-0 in cross-country under Ted’s tutelage — and have been able to take that undefeated attitude through life.
I am shattered that such a wonderful mentor in the classroom and on the field has gone to his ultimate reward.
— William May ’80

***

Mr. Hersey opened doors for me. He introduced me to the tools that would be used to form the basis of understanding of a cosmology that predates imagination. Mr. Hersey’s laws in class turned out to be universal. He also said some very strange things on the track. These opened inner doors. While running as fast as two burning thighs can go at the end of the third lap of a mile, Mr. Hersey would say, “Now just a little more pace and relax.” No stress in his voice. “Relax.”
I hope that those of us with sufficient good luck to have learned from him now have the wit to understand his message. I have thought of him often over the last few decades.
—Jeff Milliken ’69

***

I had the honor and good fortune to be a member of the cross-country and track teams coached by Mr. Hersey during my time at St. George’s in the early 90’s. We had a lot of success, particularly in cross-country (my freshman year we were undefeated), and I learned so much about myself, teamwork and character during those times. Mr. Hersey gave me, and all of my teammates an enormous amount of personal attention, always pushing us towards our personal best. It was absolutely genuine. He cared deeply about all of us maximizing our potential, while always having fun in the process. Over the years since leaving SG, I have often thought of Ted, and I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. At the same time, I know he lived a remarkable life, touched many people, and will be remembered fondly by all. What better a life could one hope to have lived? Rest in peace, Mr. Hersey, and thank you, from all of us.
— Ashley Gough ’94

 

***

I was an English exchange student for one year, at SG. I already had a place at Oxford on the strength of my English and History performance - so at SG I wanted mainly to study subjects that I’d never hitherto properly covered. These included Math with Dean Blanchard and Physics with Ted Hersey. At the time, the USA establishment was in panic over Sputnik and the possibility of the USSR getting ahead in the “Space Race”. This neurosis had led to establishment of the PSSC and their (at the time) revolutionary new physics syllabus, which we studied. An enduring memory is his illustration of mechanical forces by reference to a child’s tricycle with one pedal attached to a piece of string. 

I agree: he was an inspiring but also for me an effective teacher: I am glad that at the 100^th SG Anniversary reunion I was able to tell him personally how much I had appreciated him. 

A decade later, I took up medicine as a mature student. I would never have believed that I had in me the basic science ability to succeed in this, had I not followed that PSSC course with Ted Hersey. I remain so grateful for that experience.
— Tim Davies ’65

***

Mr. Hersey was one of my favorite teachers at SG. He had taught my father when he attended and as a result, Shirley and Ted would invite me to dinner at their house every now and again. It made SG feel like home. All my best to the family.
— John Pedorella ’82

 

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Thank the Lord I was never blessed with interacting with Mr. Hersey in his physics class. Not my bent. However I was a multiple year track team member. Mr. Hersey decided once I should run the 440 ... I was a 100 yd. man ... I almost died! Then he suggested I pole vault ... and the idea or running full tilt at a hole in the ground with a rigid pole just did not compute to me. Thankfully I won the pole vault discussion and after my 440 performance, remained a 100/220 & relay participant! He was an understanding and patient coach. Always affable on campus and with a sense of perspective and humor. SGS and I were fortunate to have benefited from his life.
— Joseph T. Ryerson ’66

 

***

Like so many others who have written, Ted Hersey affected me both in the classroom and on the field. He was the best math teacher I ever had, and the best coach. Although I ran track for two years and cherished my occasional “PB,” it was being track manager my senior year that was an exceptional experience (and my only varsity letter). He had high standards and it was a pleasure to live up to them. I like to think that when I was a teacher I treated my own students with same respect he gave me.
— Jack Hornor ’73

 

***

When I returned to The Hilltop this past May for the first time since graduation, I did something that I had not planned to do during our 50^th Reunion. On that Friday morning, I found myself walking sections of my old cross-country course, remembering specific moments of competition and The Coach who exuded such a calm, confident vitality in motivating each one of us athletes to give it our all each time we put on the SG jersey. Like hundreds of others over the years, his influence on my Life has been deeply profound

Ted Hersey was my Cross-Country and Track Coach for all four of my years at SG. My VI Form year we won the Newport County and RI Class C State Cross-Country Championships, and came very close to winning the New England Prep School Championship (small school division). What was remarkable is that he was able to build such an intense, cohesive Team Spirit in what is essentially an individual sport. One of the many things I remember him teaching us was to dramatically start picking up the pace with about a quarter mile left in each race, and then kick it home with one last burst of energy those final 100 yards, so that one would literally collapse at the finish line of the 2 ½ mile race. If you had even an ounce of gas left in your tank, according to the Hersey standard, you had cheated both yourself and the Team. I would later coordinate field operations for numerous political, union, and community campaigns, and would complete every campaign with a flurry of highly visible human activity from the final weekend through Election Day — and it almost always worked in helping to achieve Victory. Ted Hersey was the ultimate Coach, representing the very best of the St. George’s experience.
— Gary R. Yoes ’65

 

***

Ted was a mentor and friend to me. He helped decide on SG from his home in Maine. He helped me through SG with his PB drive. Thank you my friend for all you meant to so many. I’ll watch for you next time I’m fishing second beach.
— Paul Carney ’78

 

***

Mr. Hersey interviewed me when I looked at St. George’s. I found him intriguing, and he must have seen something in me, because I got in. I had little to no science (or math ability, so I only took one course from him, but he clearly was an extraordinary coach and man. When I brought my son for his first day at SG, it was Ted who greeted him. This serendipitous event pleased me greatly, ‘closing the circle’ and giving my son an opportunity to interact with this remarkable SG institution.
— Dick Brickley ’65

 

***

I was an English exchange student for one year, at SG. I already had a place at Oxford on the strength of my English and History performance - so at SG I wanted mainly to study subjects that I’d never hitherto properly covered. These included Math with Dean Blanchard and Physics with Ted Hersey. At the time, the USA establishment was in panic over Sputnik and the possibility of the USSR getting ahead in the “Space Race”. This neurosis had led to establishment of the PSSC and their (at the time) revolutionary new physics syllabus, which we studied. An enduring memory is his illustration of mechanical forces by reference to a child’s tricycle with one pedal attached to a piece of string. 

I agree: he was an inspiring but also for me an effective teacher: I am glad that at the 100^th SG Anniversary reunion I was able to tell him personally how much I had appreciated him. 

A decade later, I took up medicine as a mature student. I would never have believed that I had in me the basic science ability to succeed in this, had I not followed that PSSC course with Ted Hersey. I remain so grateful for that experience.
— Tim Davies ’65

 

***

So sorry to hear of Ted’s passing … he has been such an important influence on so many lives over the years. The annual pie races at St. George’s and on Aquidneck Island as well as the idea of “personal bests” stand as a testimony to Ted’s encouragement of running and succeeding through perseverance. I remember fondly his Physics experiments that involved “Slinkys” spilling down the hall demonstrating various wave principals. Ted is a well-loved part of my life and he always will be.
— Rick Grosvenor ’69

***

Ted Hersey was my math and physics teacher, track and cross-country coach, mentor and an absolutely phenomenal man in many ways—he and his family have extended me so many kindnesses that I find myself at an unusual loss for words. Ted was a man who loved life and improved the lives of countless numbers of us whose lives his mentorship touched. Some of my strongest memories of Ted are of him standing on top of the hill behind the Science Center at the two mile mark on our cross-country race course, spurring us on to reach our “personal best” times. Rest in peace, Ted—you are sorely missed!
— Cliff Dent ’76

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Mr. Hersey always had such a calm, quiet and even demeanor it was amusing to see and hear him describe how one day he approached a Leyden jar in the physics lab that someone, a student, had left fully charged. Luckily he had a glass rod in his hand when a bolt of blue lightning shot from the jar to the rod. I could see his was still uncharacteristically a bit shaken even though his words as ever were tranquil in explaining how we should make sure this didn’t happen again. Apropos his approach to PB, I asked him after a marking period in trig during which I had scored 100 on all the tests why he had given me an 
80. His answer was that I hadn’t really put in much effort! That sounded so reasonable I walked away happy.
— George Crpzer ’60

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Your humor and gentle teaching will be missed.
— Janet Geschwantner Thomas ’77

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Though I never had Mr. Hersey as a coach or teacher while at St Georges He always had a kind word and a delighted smile the times we spoke even in the years I lived in Newport after SG and would see him. I still use “personal bests” with my employees thanks Mr. Hersey Rest well until we all race in the pie race again.
— John W. McNeely ’75

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I guess that it is a testament to the impact that Mr. Hersey had on me that 47 years after graduating, the news of his death has created such a huge sense of loss in me. I saw him only a handful of times since 1969, most recently at his induction into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame, yet I have always felt the impact of the values that he instilled in me over the course of 8 seasons of cross-country and track, as well as a year of physics. In my 41 years of teaching (English, certainly not physics), Mr. Hersey has always been a role model to emulate, but never to match. He, along with Mrs., Hersey, who was always so warm and welcoming, was primarily responsible for making my SG experience a great one.
— David Pascone ’69

***

Always remember Mr. Hersey as a gentle and very supportive guy. I am so glad he was at SG when I was.
— Bill Buell ’70

 

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I took AP Physics from Mr. Hersey in '59. This must have been before milkshakes.
I went on to have a career in Physics based on this sound foundation.
I will always remember that whenever we got hung up on a mechanics problem, he would remind us F = ma, and systematically help us identify and add up the force vectors. The systematic approach always works, but somehow it seems foreign to a teenager. 
I was pleased to follow his career at St George's and learn about the various awards he won. He was one of a kind and a great example to base my own teaching on.
— Derek Storm ’59

 

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I never took a course from Mr. Hersey but did have the pleasure of being coached by him during the first year that S.G had a track team -1958-59. Even as a new coach, he had an unerring capacity to motivate all of us to succeed. How well did he motivate? In his second coaching year (1956-60) the team placed 2nd in the county meet and 4th in the R.I. Relays. I personally credit him for guiding many aspects of my growth while at SG. How well did he do that? First captain of the 1960 track team, captain of the soccer team, previous fall, Frissel Trophy, winner of the first PIE race (Blueberry -Thank you very much Ms. Hersey) and oh yes, senior prefect. While there were a number of other fine role models at that time, Mr. Hersey still stands above them all, and to this day I am most grateful
— John McLeran ’60

 

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I remember Mr. Hersey fondly for his coaching skill on the track. I had never run before my senior year and I ended up being the lead half miler for the team. After a run at a meet, I was panting, exhausted, after doing a PB. He came up, patted me on the back and smiled, saying "that's how tired you are supposed to feel!"
— Andy Fort ’70

 

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When mother died -- my daughter Margaret, a freshman, was crushed and called Ted and Shirley who immediately took her in and comforted her for the night. She'll never forget. As a trustee I remember Ted, at my invitation in the early '80s, bravely telling the Board that within 10 years every student would have a computer in his or her room. He was chuckled out of the meeting for being seduced by a "fad!" Ted was indeed ahead of his times.
— Ham Meserve ’54

 

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Science was never my forte. In fact, near the end of my 4 Form year, as I recall, Mr. Hersey said I had fulfilled my science requirement and that I would be best if I not enroll for another science class. I heartily agreed. Athletics was not a strength either. But for two years I served as manager for the track team and got to know Mr. Hersey reasonably well. I certainly had great admiration for his passion, vigor, fairness, and commitment to the school. It was a great pleasure to work under him, and I am delighted he had such a rich, fulfilling career. No one could ask for a finer model.
— Richard Longstreth ’64

 

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I went into Mr. Hersey’s AP Physics on the long coattails of my brother, Rush. I did not quite share the same aptitude for physics as my brother but wow, was Mr. Hersey ever encouraging and patient. I learned so much in that class in addition to physics. While he loved cross-country; he was such an athletic fan of every sport. So enthusiastic for every game, no matter the sport. I have such fond memories of his smile and energy ... Thank you, Mr. Hersey!
— Katharine Fisher ’89

 

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The spring of my junior year I ran track for the first time. I was “chosen” to run the 2 mile, which if you know anything about running, is one of those races that takes a lot of determination and maybe just sheer stupidity. It’s a lot of effort for an extended amount of time. No fun. So, I’m running my race (I’m the only SG girl in the race) and I’m in high gear, pushing for what was likely last place with a competing boy. Round and round we go passing Mr. Hersey. He’s cheering with that voice that always made you wonder if you could do better. On one particular lap, Mr. Hersey, ever the physicist cups his mouth in his hands and yells at me, “K-squared (for Kristen Keenan), stop fraternizing and start running.” I thought about this call for the next lap and on the return, yelled back at him, “What’s fraternizing?”
Mr. Hersey replied with that big ole grin of his, “Flirting!”
I wanted to die. But I did beat that boy.
— Kristen Keenan ’89

 

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One of the greatest teachers I ever had and by far the best coach. I went on to play college sports and his “personal best” has been one of those guiding phrases that makes it all come together. A remarkable man!
— Jay Pierrepont ’77

 

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I have a love of physics, and I credit my love for science and physics specifically to Mr. Hersey.
I remember the way he would engage the whole class; most specifically I remember how he would ask the class a number based question for the whole class to answer at once using only their hands and fingers. Regardless of the size of the numerical answer it could always be boiled down to a number from 1-10. (e.g., if it was a number like “150” you would add all the numbers and hold up six fingers)
I will remember him always, and I am sure he will be in the memories of so many others.
— Edward Robertson ’96

 

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Sad news. I am sorry to learn of Mr. Hersey’s death. It may have been his first year at SG when he taught me geometry in the later 50s. 49 years! I wish he could have made it to 50.
It is nice to hear of the contributions he made.
Please convey my sympathies to Mrs. Hersey. It appears the Mr. Grosvenor is the last of our teachers from that that decade . Thankfully he joined us at our 60^th Reunion.
— Tom Stevenson ’55

 

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Deeply saddened. What a wonderful Coach! His wry sense of humor and skeptical take on the athletic reality of the moment drove one to be the best he could be.
— Peter Graetzer ’62

 

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Had I known what I know now, I would have run cross country all four of my SG years, and I would have eschewed my beloved golf for track and field, because the best teaching I ever received in anything was from Coach Hersey in the two years I ran cross country. I have been a teacher for 36 years, and for most of those I have coached cross-country and track. All of the success I have had I owe to Ted Hersey, after whom I modeled my coaching style. He took a team of diverse talents from diverse friend groups and molded us into a team that cared about each other and was always better than the sum of its parts. He taught us in such a way that we internalized his methods and understood why we were doing the things we did in practice. He used to write short meet summaries after each meet, and the members of the team would practically run to the athletic board to check it out and see who had earned Hero of the Day and who had run PBs (personal bests). This was typical of the way he approached his sport; he put in the extra effort to keep us motivated and engaged, and for recruiting purposes, yes all that extra work for the famous SG institution, the Pie Race. It was designed to unearth the hidden talents of athletes who did not know they were runners, and it worked; future New England individual champions were discovered in that race. 
What is most remarkable about him was the dedication and loyalty he inspired from the athletes who ran for him. Soon after the cross-country season ended in my senior year I took up smoking cigarettes for the pathetic reason that a girl I liked was a smoker. Ted discovered that fact one day when we were talking. He just tapped the breast pocket of my shirt where I kept my cigarettes and gave me a quizzical look. No lecture, no embarrassing admonition, but I knew at that moment that I had let him down, and I knew that my new habit would be short lived. Like Dean Smith or John Wooden, he did not have to say much to get his point across, and on his level and in his sport, he was every bit as good a coach as either of those two legends, and every bit as classy. What is more, like those coaches, he has coat tails. His coaching lives through the people he taught who are engaged in the same discipline and in the people they inspire. I guess that is a part of what it means to achieve eternal life. If so, Ted Hersey has done just that.
— Reginald “Sandy” Foster ’74

 

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I miss his unique sense of humor so much. He was always supportive and encouraging, forcing me to dig deep and find the strength to laugh at myself win or lose. It’s with love and sadness that I wish him a peaceful goodnight.
—Carrie Lisbey ’92

 

***

 

Mr. Hersey took my daughter under his wing when she was very far away from home and gave her the encouragement and confidence to achieve her personal best. He was a gentleman from the old school and the embodiment of everything that makes St. George’s an exceptional place.
— Keeton Turner P’01

 

***

 

Mr. Hersey was my cross-country coach for 3 years. Cross-country was grueling for me and I didn’t do very well at it, but Mr. Hersey never gave up on me. He never criticized me and continually came up with ways to boost my morale and help me to do better. He was also my physics teacher, and because of him I became a much better and more deductive thinker. I’ll never forget one little episode to illustrate the point. He asked us to graph the frequency of a train whistle as the train approaches (with a higher frequency sound), reaches you, and then speeds away (with a lower frequency sound). I was one of the few people who graphed it correctly. He, along with other great teachers like Mr. Burnett, laid the groundwork for the success I have at pursuing R&D at various times in my career. He was a great teacher and a great individual; I’m glad he received the recognition that he did receive, and that he had a long life. My condolences to his wife and family.
— Geoff Quadland ’62

 

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Sad to hear - Mr. Hersey was one of a kind. Loved his physics class. Also, having never been a competitive runner, I reluctantly joined the cross-country team my senior year - his coaching turned it into one of he best sporting experiences I’ve had. RIP Mr. Hersey.
— Marc Zuccaro ’92

 

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Mr. Hersey’s impact on my two years at St. George’s (junior and senior years) was highly positive and profound, since he coached my favorite sports (cross-country and track), including the year I was co-captain of cross-country (1980). He also taught me physics. His dedication to his runners and students was profoundly personal, as he demanded that we pursue our full potential. He loved running himself; running with him and the team along Cliff Walk or Sachuest while exchanging running and life commentary was one of the highlights of my tenure at SG. As I wrote to him a few years ago, I think frequently of his effective message of running and training as metaphors for life and the required effort. I thank his family and SG for his legacy of success and impact, on both SG and me personally.
— Francis Barker ’81

 

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I too did not earn a milkshake, but Mr. Hershey’s presence was a steady influence on me both at St George’s and later on through college and grad school in engineering and education. He was always there to talk to, always with great humility and humor. My condolences to his family. We have lost a world-class educator and role model.
— Chrissy Jampoler Houlahan ’85

 

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Coach was my advisor for fifth- and sixth-form year. He was also my track coach for 4 years. He was a blessing in my life. Not only did he teach me immeasurable things on the field, he also taught me immeasurable things about life. When I was a fifth-former I got my driver’s license. For many of the black males on campus getting a haircut was not an easy process as the only person who cut black male hair was located in Middletown. Unfortunately, I did not have the money to take occasional jaunts into Middletown. Coach heard me speak about this and he told me to take his truck. What? The keys are on the wall, just grab the truck and do what you need to do. I know these days there are probably rules against that sort of stuff, but that truly helped me and the truck load of people I would cart off to the barbers on a biweekly or monthly basis.
On another note, on the field he taught me about strategy ... yes, there is strategy in track, and coach had it mastered. Put your best person in events against their best person...basically doubling your point potential. And he believed in work. When I was in college I played football and I called coach to ask him how to get faster as many of my mates were as fast if not faster than me. Again, he came thru with some sage advice. 
I could go on and on about what coach did for me, especially as a young man. 
Essentially, I feel very blessed and grateful that I had him in my life, especially during those critical years in life. I know he is in a better place. I wish his wife and his children all the best.
With love and admiration. 

— Nkemakonam Okpokwasili ’89

 

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Can’t say enough about this man’s contribution. He taught me not to cut corners when I run alone, that anyone can be a champion if they stick with it, and as my track coach, a psychology of confidence that has stayed with me my whole life, and which I have shared with my children. He made me into a good physics student—no small feat! The man was one of those faculty members that made SGS a great school. We will miss him forever.
—John Stewart ’72

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I look at my two Ted Hersey prints of SG every day in my library. Had them since the late ‘60’s. 
Enjoyed being Ted’s track team’s manager my junior year. 
Will miss seeing you this May at my 55^th.
— T. Christopher Jenkins ’61

 

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I always remember his energy and enthusiasm for the track and field team. I was on several of those teams and he was encouraging. Especially considering my rather underwhelming shotput, discus and javelin results. He was always smiling and positive. He leaves a great legacy.
— Anthony Giaquinto ’89

 

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Everyone who ran for Mr. Hersey knew about getting your “personal best.” I think that was one of the most profound inspirations I ever got as a young man, outside my family. I remember the slowest person on the cross-country team getting the “personal best” for a race, and how cool I thought that was. One winter I had done tutoring in Newport instead of sports, and was thinking of continuing that in the spring, instead of running the half-mile for Mr. Hersey in track. He told me how as a boy, in the woods of Maine, he would work with only jeans and a t-shirt. He explained that if you worked hard enough, the sweat just poured off you. I guess I got the point, and happily ran spring track for him. My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Hersey’s family.
— Hugh Bowen ’69

 

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Ted (“Mr. Hersey” in my day) made, for me, algebra and trig tolerable, geometry fun, and physics enlightening. Please pass on my sympathy and loving thoughts to Shirley and family. As an “old grad” I was blessed by the warm friendship he and Shirley shared so gracefully with so many of us Dragons. He was a very fine man and teacher ... Q.E.D.!
— Laurie Driggs ’55

 

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My deepest condolences to the Hersey family. Mr. Hersey was one of my favorite teachers at SG. He was the first faculty member I met, when I arrived in the fall of 1991 as a scrawny 13-year old for Early Sports. He was my cross-country coach. Although I was no athlete, Mr. Hersey always encouraged me to achieve my “personal best” — of course, this is his motto, whether it was in sports, academics, or community service. As a student in his Honors Physics class, he inspired me to a career as a scientist. 

What I remember most about Mr. Hersey - besides his troll dolls and the annual Pie Race - is how much he treated students like real family. It was obvious how proud he was of us. He and Mrs. Hersey welcomed me and others into their home many times. He will be missed greatly.
— Kim (Hemond) Bertrand ’95

 

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Mr. Hersey was the first person I met when my parents dropped me off at St. George’s. I was scared and nervous but he made me feel right at home, and told me he was going to be my physics teacher. I looked forward to seeing him again, but later learned they had switched me to a brand new teacher because there weren’t enough girls in the other physics class. The neophyte teacher was wonderfully funny and entertaining, but not at all good at teaching basic physics. Mr. Hersey offered to help, and taught me more in one evening than I had learned that entire semester. It is my deepest regret from St. George’s that I wasn’t able to take his physics class instead. If I had I’m sure I would have gone on to engineering school, instead if majoring in French like I did. 
My deepest sympathy to Mrs. Hersey. He was a real treasure and one of my favorite people at SG, even though I never did get to have him as a teacher.
— Julia Carlson Aiken ’86

 

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Coach Hersey gave me life long wings. He brought a bright order to adolescent chaos. Even though “Personal Best” is an enduring compass and companion, I wish I could have done better for him. He helped so many of us move forward. My love and thanks to Mrs. Hersey and his family.
—  Hunt Block ’71

 

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One of the teachers I loved the most. Indeed an asset for school. Part of the reason for my perfect score in AP Physics. We will miss him.
— Francisco Fernández-Castillo ’90

 

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Mr. Hersey was the most inspirational teacher I ever had and may well have been the wisest man I ever met.
He could explain the most complicated aspects of physics and leave you saying, “Of course! That makes perfect sense!”
His coaching philosophy about achieving your “Personal Best” was a life lesson that has given me direction and comfort throughout my life.
I was fortunate enough to win a pie one year in the famous “Pie Race”.
It was simply the best and most delicious pie I ever ate.
Thank God Mr. Hersey was willing to devote his life to teaching and coaching.
The positive effects he had on so many of us continue to spread like waves as we remember and pass on the wisdom he gave us.
All my best to Mrs. Hersey and his family. You were privileged to be close to a great great man!
— Dixon S. Kuhn ’66

 

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WOW ! Just yesterday I told someone “You loose 20% of your body heat through you head” and “Don’t spit or you will dehydrate yourself” and I even gave credit to coach for it after all these years. In my 4 years at S.G. I had the honor of spending a lot of time with this true gentleman. Four years on the track team and several science courses, in and out of season I loved spending time with him. He took me under his wing and taught me things about myself that only come from a relationship and insight. I often tell people that I would be a total idiot if I hadn’t gone to S.G. and it was men like coach who developed me. I was very insecure and introverted when I came to the hilltop and Ted taught me to believe in myself, be better than myself and to lead others. I owe that to you sir and will always love you for it. 
On the lighter side, one of the track teams co-captains and I decided to do a daring act in front of the girl’s lacrosse game. Even though we had bags over our heads it wasn’t too hard to figure out who we were. The worst part of it was that we started our escapade, coincidently, in front of the Hersey residence and Ted’s daughter Cheryl saw us prepare. Coach would always tease us about that embarrassing situation. Many fond memories coach. I think about you often. With much love, Peter.
— Jan “Peter” van-Wouw Koeleman ’75

 

 

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Mr. Hersey was my physics teacher and probably gets the most credit for launching me into my engineering/venture capital career, for which I will always be grateful. He failed miserably as my track coach, proving once again that swimming (my only real sport) and running do not mix, but he was great cheerleader for me in both sports. It is great that he has been so well recognized for all the wonderful things he brought to us and St. George’s.
— Clint Harris ’65

 

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I ran cross-country all four years at SG; not because I was a great runner but because Mr. Hersey was a great coach. He always inspired us to push past our self-imposed limitations and to work harder towards our PB (personal best). I still run and train and there is not a week that goes by that I don’t recall some piece of advice that he gave to us. A great man and a great teacher. His family is in our thoughts.
— Arnold Robinson ’83

 

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I’m so sorry to hear of Mr. Hersey’s passing. I’ve written this elsewhere, but here it is again. I was lucky enough to be on his Track team my 5^th and 6^th form years and it was such a great experience for me. I really wasn’t very good. But the brilliant thing about Mr. Hersey is that he made you realize it wasn’t about what you thought being good meant. It was never about being better than the other person. Rather, it was about being better than you were the time before. And that just made you want to try harder. And sometimes that led to being better than the other person. But always it led to GETTING better. His post-meet results announcements in Monday assembly remain one of my fondest memories of St. Georges. Inevitably, he would take what seemed to be an average performance and highlight it as a key part of the day, simply because it was a personal best. And in that way, he gave someone who would otherwise be forgotten a chance to be recognized for doing better than they did the time before. To this day, I carry with me the concept of Personal Best. It was an invaluable lesson then, and remains so now as I raise my own children. So thanks for that Mr. Hersey: You made a difference to many!
— Paul Kekalos ’87

 

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I am saddened to hear this news. Many of my best memories from the hilltop were with Mr. Hersey. I learned so much more from the 3 years on the cross-country team (and track in the spring) than I realized at the time. Physics was possibly my favorite class at SG. He had such a positive influence on me and so many others. I wish I could tell him thank you. He will be missed.
— Alp Sendil ’93

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 So sorry to hear this! He was one of a kind. I never earned a milkshake in his physics class, but it was a great motivator!! RIP.
— Libby Robinson ’81

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Mr. Hersey is one of my best and most cherished memories of St. George's School; one of the most amazing teachers I ever had and truly an inspiring influence and mentor in my life. He taught me math and physics but more importantly, perseverance and confidence. He was always available to talk or listen, always saw the positive side of everything (but always direct and honest), and I know he touched so many lives. I remember frequent dinners in King hall; leaving his table feeling good about life's next challenge. Mr. Hersey exemplifies the very best in a boarding school teacher/coach. He will be missed and loved always.
— Carol Johnson ’76