A 1956 graduate of West Chester High School, Ken was an outstanding distance runner in Cross Country and Track. ln Cross Country, he led his team to two undefeated seasons. ln Track, Ken was 6th in the PIAA State Championship in the 400 meters.

Ken continued his running career in college at both San Jose State University and Texas Southern University. Ken excelled on both the Track and Cross-Country teams. ln track, he was a star performer in both the 400 and 800 meter runs and, in 1964, he was the NCAA champion in the 800 meters!

After college, Ken became a professor at San Jose State University. Along with Professor Harry Edwards and Olympic track athletes Tommie Smith, Lee Evans and John Carlos, Noel formed the Olympic Project for Human Rights, which culminated at the 1968 Olympic Games with the Black Fist demonstration on the Olympic awards podium. Ken received honors from both the NAACP and the World Track Federation for his efforts in fighting inequality.

Dr. Noel continued his life-long love of running, completing three marathons and authoring two books on training.