Bill Gordon

Much has been said and written about former Rancocas Valley High football coach Bill Gordon over the past 45 years, all of it complimentary and certainly most well deserved.  In his 30 years as head coach of the Mount Holley-based school, Bill and his staff (he always gave them credit) compiled an enviable winning record as well as adding many titles and trophies to the school's trophy case.

But Bill Gordon was not fundamentally about wins, titles, statistics and overflowing trophy cases.  No, those are just the usual mundane things that go along with a successful career.  They certainly are nice, of course, but they weren't the real essence of the man.  The simple principle that underlined Bill's life - that made him such a respected and revered figure in Burlington County in particular and in South Jersey and the state in general - was his obvious humanity.

In his book, his "kids" came first.  Although he was second to none when it came to a deep desire to win, never did a victory take precedence or overshadow his love for his players.  After every season, when the dust of battle had settled, he would then continue to fight long and hard - without any personal gratification or credit for himself - to obtain college scholarships for his players, whether they were outstanding stars or just bench-warming reserves.  It made no difference to Bill.

It was unknown to the public, but not to his players, that Bill would sometimes financially aid, and even take under his wing, boys were were less fortunate than others.  He would often, at his own expense, send game tapes to small colleges in the hopes of getting partial athletic scholarships for many of them.

He was one of the key founders of the Burlington County Football Club which flourished and grew (and is still growing), and which provided thousands of dollars in scholarships over the past 30-odd years for needy young men.  Other coaches often sought his help in securing aid for their players and he never ever refused.  And he was a coach who kept track of his boys after they left for school and after they graduated from college.  He reveled in their successes and there were many over the years.

One of the most renowned of his players, National Football League Hall-of-Famer Franco Harris, stayed in touch with Bill all during his Penn State and Pittsburgh Steeler career.  He thought enough of his old coach to nominate him as High School Coach of the Year in NFL balloting, as well as to invite him to his Hall of Fame Induction.

Franco's eulogy at Bill's memorial service was poignant and touching as were the remarks of another former RV and future NFL Hall-of-Famer, Irv Fryar.  These men were typical of the hundreds of his players who respected and admired the always genial coach.

But, unlike others his age, Bill Gordon never really "retired."  When he finally called it a day, he didn't pack up and move to a warmer climate as so many of his peers did.  No, even after his retirement was "official," he continued to work for kids in the Mount Holly area in particular and the county in general.

He helped out by assisting the new head coach at the high school, lending his experience and guidance  He organized highly successful golf tournaments such as Mount Holly Pro Day and raised more money for township sports programs.  He even found time to serve on the town council for another civic commitment.

Bill Gordon put down his roots in Burlington County soil back in 1953 and never looked to go anywhere else.  And for that, thousands of young athletes, today successful in many fields of endeavor, are extremely grateful.

-By Bill Barber