Clarion University Sports Hall of Fame
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An extremely dedicated Cross Country and Track Coach, Bill English was the face of Clarion's programs from the Fall of 1972 through the Spring of 1990. In the interim he led a strong program for the Golden Eagles. In men's cross country his teams never had a losing season putting together a dual meet record of 88-45. He also never had a losing season in men's track & field, posting a dual meet record of 76-37. Some top men's athletes included Joe Nichols (1st track & field All-American in 1975), Loyal Jasper (1984 PSAC Athlete of the Year), Ken Gribshaw, George Drushel, Jim Snyder, Jim Newkirk and Doug McConnell. Bill also spearheaded the start of the women's cross country program in 1978 and the track and field program in the following spring. The first female All-American was hurdler Taryn Carter in 1980. Her sister Laurie, Penny Gray, Leda Best, Vicky Kemmerer, Kristen Swick & Tedi Phillips were just a few of the top performers. English's first six years saw him teaching at East Forest, then come to Clarion for practice, a 52-mile round trip every day. Bill taught in the HPE Department from 1978 through 2008 when he retired. Born in Willliamsport, Pa., he is a 1964 grad of Mooseheart (Il.) High and a 1968 Lock Haven grad. At the time of his induction, Bill and wife Verona lived in Leeper, Pa. and have a son Justin, who spent time as the assitant women's basketball coach at Clarion.
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