Former Widener Coach Honored

Bill Manlove to be immortalized in the College Football Hall of Fame

On Saturday, in South Bend, Ind., the College Football Hall of Fame will enshrine local legend Bill Manlove, along with three other coaches and 16 former players, reports the Philadelphia Inquirer.

A true native of the area, Manlove attended Haddon Heights High School and Temple University before beginning his career as a high school math teacher.

The Inquirer states that as a coach, Manlove was known for his calculated approach to each game and his mild-mannered temperament as he led his teams to 212 victories, including two Division III National Titles (in 1977 and 1981) and 10 Mid-Atlantic Conference Titles.

Manlove, 78, coached 31 All-Americans in his 32 seasons at Widener, Delaware Valley College and La Salle.

He was also president of the America Football Coaches Association, athletic director for Widener and Mid-Atlantic Conference president, according to the Inquirer.

Today he is retired from professional coaching but is still very active in his community, volunteering for Meal on Wheels, a local cardiac health center and with Delaware Valley football.

The coach, who was very successful with his “quick edge” technique for early scoring and a close to the chest style of coaching, was very humble regarding the honor.

"I kind of thought I was out of sight, out of mind, Manlove told the Inquirer. "I don't know if I deserve it, but I'm not going to refuse it." 

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