Peter G. and Gail M. Guthrie Scholarship for Student Athletes

The Peter G. and Gail M. Guthrie Endowed Scholarship for Student-Athletes was established in 2016 and revised in 2023 by Peter G. and Gail M. Guthrie. Peter is a 1966 University of Akron (UA) graduate who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial management and is a member of the Lone Star Fraternity.

An outstanding student-athlete, Peter excelled at both wrestling and football at The University of Akron, earning letters in both sports. He went on to coach the Zips wrestling team from 1969 to 1975, compiling an impressive record of only winning seasons, and he was a member of the board of the Varsity “A” Association. For his achievements with UA’s wrestling program, Peter was honored with induction into The University of Akron Sports Hall of Fame in 1982.

Along with his dedication to Zips Athletics, Peter has a deep love for his country. He is a U.S. military veteran who was a member of the 1st Air Cavalry Division of the elite Army Rangers, served two tours in the Vietnam War, and ultimately achieved the rank of 1st Lieutenant. For his meritorious and heroic service, he was honored with a Silver Star and three Bronze Stars, and he was awarded a Purple Heart for wounds sustained while serving. Peter and Gail have been married since 1973 and have three grown children: Douglas, Michelle (Guthrie) Mathis, and Heather (Guthrie) Zimmerman.

The Peter G. and Gail M. Guthrie Endowed Scholarship for Student-Athletes was established to assist one student-athlete annually at The University of Akron. Students eligible for the scholarship must:

• Be student-athletes on any UA-sponsored, NCAA-sanctioned team;
• Be undergraduate students, including incoming freshmen;
• Be enrolled full-time in any program;
• Have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher; and
• Demonstrate financial need.

First consideration will be given to student-athletes who are military veterans, the children or grandchildren of military veterans, or members of the Lone Star Fraternity. The scholarship may be renewed up to five times if the recipient continues to meet all requirements and remains in good standing with The University of Akron.

UA’s director of athletics or their designee will select eligible applicants and, with input from athletics personnel and coaching staff, will select a recipient.