Coach Bill Manlove led Widener University’s football team for 22 years between 1969 and 1991.
What kept him going through those two decades?
“Winning,” Manlove, now 92, said.
Manlove had a record of 182 wins, 53 losses, and one tie during his coaching reign, writes Justin Udo for KYW Newsradio.
During his run, there were two national championships and more than a few undefeated seasons.
“Those games did so much not just for me, but for my players, the school. They were just amazing moments,” he said.
Now Widener is recognizing his career accomplishments with a statue of the coach outside Widener’s football stadium.
Beyond the winning games, Manlove taught his players valuable life lessons.
“[He] taught us a lot of things that transitioned into life, working hard, teamwork, respect,” said Tim Mooney, one of his players.
Robert Buckley, a Widener swimmer, knew Manlove in his role as the university athletic director. He called the coach “an impeccable individual.”
“He guided our life to try and emulate what he achieved — that’s winning in a fair way at all costs,” said Buckley.
Manlove continues to coach football, but he’s doing it now as an assistant at Delaware Valley University.
Read more about Bill Manlove’s impact on Widener football at KYW Newsradio.
