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Gill, John W., 1898-1997

 Person

Biography

John W. Gill grew up in Akron, Michigan and moving to Lansing, Michigan in 1908. He came to Western Michigan University in 1919 after being recruited by Bill Spaulding into sports, and graduating in 1924. At WMU, Gill played baseball, football, and basketball. He was freshman football coach and later head football coach for 11 years from 1942-1953, after which he was assistant athletic director for 16 years.

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Oral history interview with Patrick Clysdale, October 25, 1989

 File — Box 1-OralHist, Object: 16
Scope and Contents Oral history interview with Patrick “Pat” Clysdale, student athlete, coach, administrator and professor at Western Michigan University, conducted and recorded Lew Carlson on October 25, 1989 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Pat discusses playing youth sports in Detroit and then coming to Western and playing basketball for coach Buck Read and football for coach John W. Gill. He received his B.S. in 1952 and his M.S. in 1953, returning to WMU in 1958 to coach basketball and recruit players. He worked...
Dates: October 25, 1989

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  • Subject: Coaching (Athletics) X
  • Subject: College athletes -- Recruiting X
  • Subject: Western Michigan University -- Football X
  • Subject: Western Michigan University -- Football X