Austin Peay State University Athletics

Athletics
Introducted 1985-86 

A native of Fremont, Neb., Dr. Aaron Schmidt came to APSU in 1956 as assistant band director and woodwinds instructer. He became band director in 1960. Under his leadership, the Governors Own Marching Band won national acclaim along with its drill corps, the Governettes. Dr. Schmidt’s bands marching across campus to the football stadium and their halftime shows became well-identified with Austin Peay athletics. A 1951 University of Nebraska graduate, Dr. Schmidt wrote “All Hail to Austin Peay” as the song to the alma mater. He also wrote “Smash Bang” as the school’s fight song plus other selections. His bands performed in the Macy’s Christmas parade and before the Music Educators National Conference. He relinquished band director duties in 1973. In recent years, Dr. Schmidt served as director of Austin Peay’s Jazz Collegians. He was presented the APSU Alumni Association Distinguished Professor Award for excellence in teaching. Dr. Schmidt’s wife, Patricia Jean, also holds a bachelor of music education degree from the University of Nebraska. They have two children, Terry Lee and Larry.