From WOOD COUNTY MUSEUM
The Wood County Museum is pleased to host Sam Sprunger for a talk over sports during World War II on Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 6 p.m., at the Wood County Museum. Admission will be $7 per person or free for museum members. The price includes the talk, with light refreshments, and a self-guided tour of the museum’s exhibits. This talk is part of the Wood County Museum’s America250 lecture series.
Sprunger’s talk will examine how WWII fundamentally reshaped athletics, as major sporting events were suspended, athletes were drafted into military service, and leagues were forced to adapt for survival. Sprunger will explore the cancellation of global competitions such as the 1940 and 1944 Olympics and the World Cup, the rise of women’s sports – most notable the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League – the merging of professional teams like the Steagles, and the shift toward military base athletics. Despite these challenges, sports remained a crucial source of morale and unity on the home front during wartime.
Sprunger is a history educator with over 15 years of teaching experience and a lifelong passion for sports. Known for his deep knowledge of Purdue basketball and Chicago Cubs baseball, he brings enthusiasm and insight to both the classroom and the field. In addition to teaching, Sprunger has coached football and baseball for students of all ages. Outside of his professional work, he stays busy supporting his children at sporting events year-round, traveling with his wife, and contributing to the “Dad Lounge” and “Boiler Maker Lounge” podcasts.
To make reservations, visit www.woodcountyhistory.org or call 419-352-0967.
