Reese Williams

Abstract

Pingry Coach 1920-1965. The Man Who Started It All.

When Headmaster C.B. Newton hired Reese Williams to work exclusively on the physical education program, the modern era of Pingry athletics began. From 1920 to 1965 Coach Williams touched more than 2,000 students with his commitment to a personal code of sportsmanship, honesty, physical conditioning, and the joy of vigorous competition. Reese Williams left behind an amazing record of accomplishment: 35 years of coaching football without ever missing a game; 40 years of coaching baseball teams that won over 75% of their games; and a constant capacity to grow and adapt, from his first day at Parker Road to his last day as coach on Hillside Campus. In one of the last of many newspaper columns written about him, Reese Williams summed up his career. “The greatest fun and enjoyment I have gotten out of coaching is not necessarily the winning teams, but the development of strong, healthy boys with the emphasis on character and sportsmanship - always.”