His wrestling tenure included 15 winning seasons where he coached 10 conference champions and 17 NCAA Tournament qualifiers. In football, he served as freshman head coach, chief scout and defensive line assistant, where he helped lead teams that captured four national championships.

In 2011, Coach Billy was inducted into the UD Athletics Hall of Fame. Previously, he was inducted into the Muhlenberg College Sports Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame in 2006.

Born in Northampton, Pennsylvania, he went to Northampton High School, where he lettered in football, wrestling and baseball and earned the nickname “Bear.” He attended Muhlenberg College, where he was a four-year letterman in both football and wrestling, graduating in 1957. He earned his master’s degree at UD in 1968.

From 1957-60, he served as in the U.S. Navy, attaining the rank of lieutenant junior grade. He also played football and was named to the All-Sea Service – Military first team. After returning from the Navy, he accepted a coaching position at Muhlenberg. After two years there, he spent a year at Lafayette College before joining UD in 1963.

To read his obituary or leave online condolences, visit R.T. Foard Funeral Home.