Tips and Snippets: 1960's Gloucester High Gridiron Coach to be Enshrined in College Football Hall of Fame
Sunday, July 10, 2011
By Bill Cleary
CNBNEWS.NET
(CNBNEWS.NET)Former LaSalle Football Coach Bill Manlove (photo) will be heading to South Bend, Indiana this week for the College Football Hall of Fame ceremonies being held July 15-16. He is one of four coaches that will be enshrined.
Knowledgable South Jersey football fans will remember Manlove as the head football coach at Gloucester City High School in the 1960‘s. A graduate of Temple University, Manlove taught math at GHS. Along with coaching football he also coached Lions freshman basketball.
Former Gloucester City Mayor Bob Bevan, who was coached by Manlove said, ”I played for Bill in my junior and senior year (1961, 1962) we had a losing record in his rookie year as Head Coach and had a 6-2-1 record in our senior year. He was more of a strategist his first year and became more of a motivator during his second year.He became successful over the next several years in both high school and as a college coach. He was a gentleman and always treated his players with respect.”
Echoing those remarks 1961 GHS alumni Bill Tourtual added, “Bill Manlove was an amazing coach, talent scout and person. I will always treasure the times the late Larry Pusey and I spent together under the coaching of Bill Manlove.
John “Rocky” Gianvito, GHS Class of 57, “I didn't have the opportunity to play for Bill Manlove. He began his coaching career at Gloucester High School after I graduated. My only connection with Bill Manlove was as an observer. I followed his high school and college coaching careers (I particularly remember the glorious Billy "White Shoes" days).
“He was not only an outstanding football coach, but also a true gentleman. I later had the opportunity to meet with him at Widener University while accompanying my son on college visitations. At that time he held the dual role of Athletic Director and coach. He was as accommodating as always, taking time to speak with my son about the various opportunities available at Widener.
“Enshrinement into the College Football Hall of Fame is a tremendous accomplishment. Bill Manlove is most deserving of that honor.”
Following his stint at Gloucester City High School Manlove moved on to coach at several area colleges. He was the head man at Widener University, Delaware Valley College, and La Salle University during his illustrious coaching career. Manlove became head coach at Widener when the school was still known as Pennsylvania Military College (the school became Widener University in 1972). Bill coached 23 seasons at Widener and guided the team to two NCAA Division III championships. As the winningest coach in school history, Manlove coached the Pride to 21 consecutive winning seasons from 1970-1990. He finished with a 182-53-1 record at Widener. Following a spectacular career with the Pride, Bill decided to pursue a new challenge at Delaware Valley College in 1992. After concluding his time at Delaware Valley in 1995, he would move on to head the La Salle University football program in 1997. After retiring as head coach in 2001, Bill returned to Delaware Valley College as an assistant coach in 2002. With Manlove's presence on the sidelines, Delaware Valley's success has continued as they have won five MAC championships and made four trips to the NCAA Division III playoffs over the last seven years. Bill continues to serve as an assistant/consultant to head coach Jim Clements at Delaware Valley.
Besides Manlove the other coaches to be inducted include:
- Barry Alvarez - Wisconsin (1990-2005); 118-73-4 (.615)
- Mike Kelly - Dayton (1981-2007); 246-54-1 (.819)
- Gene Stallings- Texas A&M (1965-71), Alabama (1990-96); 89-70-1 (.559)
- Manlove - Widener (1969-91), Delaware Valley (1992-95), La Salle (1997-2001); 212-211-1 (.655)
PLAYERS
·DENNIS BYRD* - North Carolina State, Defensive Tackle (1965-67)
·RONNIE CAVENESS - Arkansas, Center (1962-64)
·RAY CHILDRESS - Texas A&M, Defensive Lineman (1981-84)
·DEXTER COAKLEY - Appalachian State, Linebacker (1993-96)
·RANDY CROSS - UCLA, Offensive Guard (1973-75)
·SAM CUNNINGHAM - Southern California, Running Back (1970-72)
·MIKE FAVOR - North Dakota State, Center (1985-88)
·CHARLES HALEY - James Madison, Linebacker (1982-85)
·MARK HERRMANN - Purdue, Quarterback (1977-80)
·CLARKSTON HINES - Duke, Wide Receiver (1986-89)
·DESMOND HOWARD - Michigan, Wide Receiver (1989-91)
·MICKEY KOBROSKY* - Trinity (CT), Back (1933-36)
·CHET MOELLER - Navy, Defensive Back (1973-75)
·JERRY STOVALL - LSU, Halfback (1960-62)
·PAT TILLMAN* - Arizona State, Linebacker (1994-97)
·ALFRED WILLIAMS - Colorado, Linebacker (1987-90)
For more information on Bill Manlove and his enshrinement into the Hall of Fame visit www.enshrinementfestival.org or call 574-235-5714.
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