"He was a very loyal alumnus and grateful for the opportunity to go to school here." -  Donna Loughrey

It was a marriage, like many, which involved a diamond. However, it was a baseball diamond, and the marriage was between a family and their deep connection with Winona State University.

The relationship began around the turn of the 20th century. Peter Frederick Loughrey, born near Wykoff, Minn., in 1875, wanted to become a teacher. Peter's daughter, Donna Loughrey of Winona, said her father was a country boy who was brought up in a literary family.

"He was a poor, ambitious, intelligent young man who had a school teacher mother," said Donna. "So, he came to Winona to go to the Normal School."

Peter attended the Normal School for teacher education in Winona and graduated in the year 1900. The Normal School, which was founded in 1858, was the first tax-supported school west of the Mississippi River dedicated to training teachers for the new frontier. The school later became known as Winona State Teacher's College and is now Winona State University.

While taking classes at the Normal School, Peter met his wife, Caroline, whom he married on June 27, 1903.           

The new family moved to North Dakota, which had just become a state. The Loughreys took claim of some land and helped build a new community. Peter was a teacher for two years in North Dakota before he became a salesman.

In 1927, the Loughreys moved back to Winona, and Peter continued to work as a salesman. However, the importance of education wasn't far from Peter's heart. The Normal School graduate donated money to the athletic program of Winona State Teacher's College.

"He was a very loyal alumnus," said Donna, "and grateful for the opportunity to go to school here."

In the spring of 1963, the Winona State College baseball field was dedicated in honor of her father, Peter Loughrey. Donna said being present at the dedication was something she'll always remember.

"I was very honored on his behalf," said Donna, "because I knew how much it meant to him."

Donna visited WSU's campus during the summer of 2004 to relive some memories and share this story and photograph.

This picture was taken during the 1963 dedication of Loughrey Field. Peter Loughrey is pictured here with his wife, children and grandchildren. Left to Right: Theodore M. Schoewe, Mark Schoewe, Caroline E. Loughrey, Peter F. Loughrey, Ted L. Schoewe, Jane E. Schoewe, Philip G. Schoewe, John T. Schoewe (little boy), Donna C. Loughrey