Special Tribute: Edward “Skip” Masland

The Peddie Sports Hall of Fame lost its friend and founder, Edward “Skip” Masland ’49, on Aug. 30, 2011. He was 82.

A multi-sport athlete during his Peddie years, Masland played center field in baseball, was captain of the squash team, and held his own at right half-back on the football team where at 5’8″ and 156 pounds he was referred to as a “shifty little ball carrier and consistent ground gainer.” Elected president of his senior class, he was also active in Gold Key, the Glee Club and the choir. Among his many honors, Masland received the Outstanding Alumnus Award in 1989.

Over 25 years ago, Masland hatched the idea that Peddie should have a Sports Hall of Fame. The charter members were selected in 1986 and the first Hall class was inducted during halftime of the Blair Day football game in the fall of 1987.

The Sports Hall of Fame recognizes those who have made a significant contribution to athletics while at Peddie. Students, teams, coaches and other members of the Peddie community whose contributions and achievements have improved Peddie’s reputation, brought credit to the school, or inspired others to their own personal level of excellence are also honored.

Masland served as a member of the school’s Board of Trustees for nearly three decades and was honored with the title of Trustee Emeritus in 2003. Masland roots run deep at Peddie. His son, Al Masland ’74, and two granddaughters, Sarah Masland-Fatherree ’03 and Christina Brown ’09, graduated from Skip’s beloved “Steady Old Peddie.”

Always a generous supporter of the school, there are two rooms on campus named after Masland, the Masland Room in the student center and the Edward K. “Skip” Masland ’49 Classroom in the Caspersen History House. One of Masland’s oft repeated mottos comes from Mark Twain: “I never let schooling get in the way of my education.” Somehow, it seems he found the right balance.

Peddie is grateful to Skip Masland for making the Sports Hall of Fame a reality.