Bilderback, Willis P.

Rutgers University
1973

Willis (Bildy) Bilderback, Rutgers Alumnus of the class of 1930, was elected to the Lacrosse Hall of Fame as one of the 1973 honorees. He joins three other illustrious Rutgers Alumni--Joseph (Frenchy) Julian, Albert Twitchell, and George Latimer in the prestigious Hall.

"Bildy" was born in Asbury Park, N.J., and graduated from Rutgers University in 1930. He lettered in lacrosse in 1929 and 1930, football in 1929, and wrestling in 1928 and 1929. His lacrosse coach and "mentor" was the immortal Fred Fitch.

His coaching career commenced in 1930 when he became football coach at Neptune High School. From there he coached at Rahway High School, and then at Irvington High School from 1935-1942. He entered the U.S Navy in 1942 as a Chief Specialist and was assigned to the United States Naval Academy in February, 1944. While at the Academy, he achieved a coaching record that is absolutely parallel in the annals of United States Lacrosse. From 1947-58, he was the coach of the plebe team, which won 57 games, lost 16 and tied 3. His plebe teams had six unbeaten seasons. After this phenomenal record, he went on to achieve even greater heights as the varsity lacrosse coach at the Academy. His teams from 1959-72 won 123 games while losing 22 and tying one. His teams won or shared in eight Intercollegiate Championships, and became the first to win four straight National Championships.

"Bildy" Bilderback resides in Annapolis, Md., with his wife Dorcas--the former Dorcas Fulton of Highland Park, N.J. They have one son Willis, and two grandsons.

Back to National Lacrosse Hall of Fame Member List