Art Armstrong - Legacy 2004

Art Armstrong is a hockey legend, not only in Ann
Arbor, not only in Michigan, but throughout the mid-
west and also in the northeastern area of our country,
where the whole Armstrong legacy began. Art was born
(March, 1930) and reared in Quincy, Massachusetts. He
and his buddies started playing hockey on a local pond,
and since Armstrong wasn't much of a skater he was
put in goal and that's where he stayed through his
career at North Quincy High School and, following
graduation, for Colgate University. Art also attended
classes at Colgate and graduated with a degree in
History.
Following college, Art was assigned to the Army
Security Agency during the Korean conflict and wound
up guess where: as a goalie for the Fort Richardson,
Alaska hockey squad. His next stint was many months
on outpost duty at Gamble Island, which is in sight of
Siberia.
Upon his return from Army duty, Art was expected to
join the family business, and he complied. Soon,
however, he listened to his "own voice" and went back
to school for a Master's Degree in education. He also
listened to his heart and married Sara. (Good move,
Coach!)
Next came a move to Ann Arbor—Art, Sara and 2-week
old daughter Sandy. Art immediately fell in love with
Ann Arbor—a love affair that never ended. Coach
Armstrong's hockey coaching career began at Ann

Arbor High School (now Pioneer) in 1963-64 and lasted
until his death on March 24, 1987.  He was the first ice
hockey coach for Ann Arbor High, as a varsity sport. 
Art was also the co-athletic director, from 1974 until
1987.
The accomplishments of Art's teams during that 23
period would fill a book twice the size of this entire
program. He won state championships in 1964, 1966,
1967, 1971, 1984 and 1985.  He started the Art
Armstrong Scholarship program to promote good
citizenship, academics and athletics.  The scholarship
provides money to a Pioneer and Huron ice hockey
student-athlete annually.  As important as these
championships and honor team recognitions were, the
things that meant the most to him were his family (Sara,
Sandy, Susan, Steve) and his extended family—the
hundreds of young men who went on to be successful
student-athletes at the collegiate level and then became
successful husbands, fathers and career professionals.
Art had great love and respect for the Pioneer High
School athletic programs.  At his core he was always
aware of the fine athletic tradition which was Pioneer. 
He believed  with an almost missionary zeal in the
importance of team participating in the formation of a
young life.  "The athletic field is the classroom for life"
he often stated.  He would be so please to be recognized
by the booster club.  He was always grateful for the
booster clubs support.  No athletic program can be
successful without a dedicated and supportive group of
boosters.
We miss you, Coach!