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by Margo Callaghan

Mention the name "Dunkley" in Vermont, and the word "gymnastics" immediately comes to mind. That is because of Tom Dunkley's passionate commitment to the sport, a passion that began during his college years at Springfield College in Springfield, Mass, following his return from World War II. In a special ceremony next month, Dunkley will travel from his home in Shelburne to the induction ceremony at Springfield College's Athletic Hall of Fame.

Of his years at Springfield, Dunkley said, "that was my first real involvement in gymnastics. I was a boxer in the service." He went on to explain that most gymnastic teams at the time, which was the late 1940s, were more geared to exhibitions, and while there was some competitive element to the sport, it would not be until much later that it would evolve into a nationally recognized sport. The exhibition nature of gymnastics included members of teams forming elaborate "tableaus," posing in strenuous positions, dressed in "rubber pants, with our upper bodies layered with a silver paint. It was more of a photo event than anything else," Dunkley recalled.

While at Springfield, Dunkley was involved with the school's gymnastic team, serving as the team's captain his junior year. After graduating, he accepted a job with the YWCA in Connecticut, where, starting from scratch, Dunkley organized wrestling and volleyball teams along with gymnastics and "Leadership Clubs" for area youth. His own personal passion was the trampoline.

From Connecticut, Dunkley went on to work at the YMCA in Patterson, N.J., where he started a "Circus Club," featuring wire walkers and trapeze artists. "Being so close to New York City, word got around, and a talent agent for the TV show "Contest Carnival" contacted me about booking some gymnastics acts." Dunkley's trampoline act, which featured boys from the YMCA who he had trained, was included. This led to Dunkley "moonlighting with his trampoline act," and booking shows at venues that included The Steel Pier in Atlantic City, and NYC night clubs. At this point, Dunkley and his late wife Doris had two daughters, who at ages six and eight, were also part of the act.

That "act" included Dunkley, sometimes in a tuxedo and other times painting his face and dressing as a clown, in costumes made by his late wife. "It would depend on the audience," Dunkley explained. He would delight audiences with his double twisting summersaults, referred to as "fliffis." Part of his clowning performance would include his oversized trousers falling to his ankles mid-twist.

Audiences loved it, to the extent that in the mid 50s Dunkley was contacted by the Eisenhower White House. Would Dunkley be willing to perform at a special event planned to entertain the King of Arabia during his visit to the U.S.? Due to popular demand that one night performance in Washington, D.C. was extended to an additional night. Dunkley's trampoline artistry captured the imagination of the King, who requested that Dunkley travel to Arabia for a repeat performance. What Dunkley thought would be a one-week trip turned into a month long schedule of performances throughout that country.

When he finally did return to the U.S., it was to a new job, teaching Phys. Ed in the Passaic, N.J. school system. "It seemed a bit like a vacation, being able to have weekends and summers off," Dunkley said, comparing that to the long hours he had put into overseeing YMCA programs. Teaching also allowed him to spend more time with his growing family and to foster his continuing career on the trampoline. Dunkley was hired by Ringling Bros. on a part-time, fill in basis, and he recalled performing at the Champlain Valley Fair sometime in the early 60s.
He remained teaching in Passaic for 10 years, at one point taking a sabbatical for a Doctorate Fellowship at Columbia University in Physical Education. "Through that, the University of Vermont contacted me. They were looking for someone to work with Phys Ed groups, and to build a gymnastics team. I taught students majoring in Elementary Education, Phys Ed. and even Nursing." Dunkley specialized in Perceptual Motor Development, linking physical activity to enhanced overall development. He remained at UVM for 20 years, retiring in 1986, when the University established the "Dunkley Award" given annually to the individual contributing most to Vermont gymnastics.

Concurrent to his UVM career, Dunkley organized the first private Gymnastic Club in Vermont, which enrolled 700 students at one point. He also organized the first overnight gymnastics camp in the state, which is now directed by his daughter, Ruth. His three other daughters are also involved with gymnastic programs, and his son teaches Phys. Ed in Westford.

Dunkley now spends time with his wife, Grace, split between Florida and Shelburne. A few years ago, Dunkley attended a performance at the Ringling Bros. winter campus in Florida. After he was seated, a member of the concessions staff came over and handed him a message from one of the clowns in the show, asking if Dunkley would meet him after the performance. That "Clown" was one of Dunkley's former students at UVM, who joined Ringling Bros. as a professional clown. According to Dunkley, the student told him, "I'm here, doing what I love, because of what you taught me on the trampoline."

It is one of hundreds of reasons Dunkley will be standing up on stage in October to receive the honor and tribute from Springfield College.