Paula Bauck graduated in 1937 from Roseau (Minn.) High School where she was active in debate and intramural girls basketball. In 1942 she earned a bachelor’s degree from Bemidji (Minn.) State University. She earned a master’s degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead in 1965.

Bauck taught in Mentor and Detroit Lakes, Minn., before becoming a teacher at Moorhead High School. She was the gymnastics coach for six years, including coaching the team to the inaugural District 23 championship. During her 14 years as girls track and field coach, Bauck coached three state championship teams and had the top-ranked 880 medley relay team in the nation in 1975.

Additionally, Bauck was coordinator for girls athletics for the Moorhead Area Public Schools. In 1968 she helped write the regulations adopted by the Minnesota State High School League that laid the foundation for girls athletics at the high school level. She also chaired Minnesota’s first task force on certification of coaches for girls teams.

Bauck was active on state and regional committees, coaches associations and the MSHSL Board of Directors. She served as president of Minnesota Association of Health, Physical Education and Recreation in 1972. Bauck was a charter member of the Minnesota State Coaches Association for Girls Sports and in 1979 was awarded the organization’s first life membership. She retired from Moorhead Area Public Schools in 1983.

Bauck was named Minnesota Girls Track Coach of the Year three times and recognized by Sports Illustrated for her work with girls athletics. She was inducted into the Bemidji State University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1979 and given the Outstanding Alumna Award in 1983. Bauck was inducted into the Minnesota State High School League Hall of Fame in 1991. In 1998, Bauck was given the Marie Berg Award for making a difference in the lives of girls and women in sports. In 1999, Bauck was the first inductee into the Minnesota Girls Track and Field Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Paula married Rupert Bauck in 1944. He is now deceased. They have three children, Rupert Jr., Philip and James, and five grandchildren. Bauck lives in Moorhead, Minnesota.

Update: Paula Bauck died on May 22, 2012, at age 92.