Washington College Magazine
Athey Joins Hall Of Fame
College legend Edward L. Athey '47 was inducted into the Maryland State Athletic Hall of Fame on May 26. Athey, a beloved coach and administrator at Washington College for nearly half a century, was the recipient of the organization's Lifetime Achievement Award.
Athey attended high school in Cumberland, MD, and began college at Frostburg State before transferring to Washington College. A successful student and versatile athlete, he distinguished himself as a quarterback in football, a guard on the championship basketball team of 1942-43, and an outfielder on the baseball team.
Jenny Butler '79 was one of many former players, colleagues, friends and family members who congratulated Coach Edward Athey '47 on receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award.
World War II interrupted his collegiate career while he served with the rank of captain in the U.S. Air Force as a pilot. After his discharge, Athey returned to Washington College completing his A.B. degree in June 1947. He received the Gold Pentagon, Clark-Porter Character medal and was named best all-around athlete.
Athey attended Columbia University, earning his master's degree in June 1948. That fall he was appointed coach of the Washington College basketball team. During his 47-year career, he coached basketball 13 years, was head baseball coach for 28 years, and distinguished himself as soccer coach for 31 years. At various times during his tenure, he also coached track, tennis, cross country, and junior varsity lacrosse. In all, he amassed 690 varsity coaching victories at Washington College; he is the only coach in College history with at least 600 wins at the school.
As athletic director for 39 years, Athey actively promoted the image of Washington College among associates throughout collegiate athletics. Twice, he was elected president of the Mason-Dixon Conference and the Middle Atlantic Conference. He is a past president of the U.S. Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association and for many years was that organization's secretary. Athey is admired both for his enthusiasm for the college and for his service to the community. He was inducted into the Washington College Hall of Fame in 1982.
Others inducted into the Maryland State Athletic Hall of Fame with Athey included Orioles legend Cal Ripken, Jr., golfer Otto Griner, Johns Hopkins All-American and former Philadelphia Eagle Bill Stromberg, and Johhny Klippstein, who played 18 seasons of Major League Baseball.
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