MUNCIE, Ind. -- Dr. John Reno, who served Ball State University for more than 40 years and helped to usher the Cardinals' athletic teams into their modern era of competition, passed away this week. He was 88 years old.
Reno was instrumental in Ball State's jump to the NCAA Division I level and entrance into the Mid-American Conference in the 1970s. It was during that period (1970-81) that he was Chairman of the School of Physical Education and Athletics. He oversaw the administration of athletic director Ray Louthen who served during that same time period.
"He was arguably one of the most influential people in the history of Ball State Athletics," said men's tennis coach Bill Richards, hired by Reno and Louthen in 1972.