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DR.
WILLIAM E. AMOS, JR. |
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2001 - FOOTBALL -
POSTHUMOUS |
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Dr. William E. Amos Jr. literally
grew up on the playing fields and gymnastics of Southwestern
Pennsylvania. The son of William E. Amos Sr., an All-American fullback
at Washington and Jefferson College in the mid-1920's, who latter served
as a multisport coach at Washington High School, Bill Jr. was a
water-boy, mascot and equipment manager for his father. This gave him
the opportunity to thrown footballs, shoot baskets, play catch and
practice almost continuously as he grew.
He was a quarterback and linebacker for Emil Dupke coached teams at
Washington High from 1948-1951. During his senior year, Amos led the
Prexies to the finals of the State AA championship in both football and
basketball, where he was a forward on the school's basketball teams,
then coached by Bill Laughlin. After a year at Maryland, Amos
transferred to the University of Pittsburgh and for the next three years
played quarterback and defensive back for the Panthers. leading them to
the Sugar Bowl in 1955 and the Gator Bowl in 1956.
Several major knee surgeries during his collegiate career resulted in
Amos giving up competitive football after he graduated from Pitt. He
went on to the Pitt Dental School, graduating in 1960 During his 40-year
practice, he advanced the profession of dentistry, providing excellent
care for his patients and touching the lives of many in the community.
Sharing his love of sports with five sons and other young people, as his
father had done with him, Dr. Amos started an after school sports
program for teems at the Bower Hill Community Church. The program
included basketball, swimming, boxing and other activities with Amos
providing guidance and serving as a role model. Raising his sons, Dr.
Bill built a handball court on the side of his house, a half-court
basketball facility in the back yard and a wrestling room, complete with
floor and wall mats in the basement of his Mt. Lebanon home. He trained
his boys and coached youth sports into his sixties.
As a member of the Board of Trustees of Robert Morris College, he
chaired the Student and Athletic Affairs Committee and was instrumental
in starting the Robert Morris NCAA Division I-AA football team in 1993.
An avid golfer, Dr. Bill also continued to play basketball and handball
through most of his life. In order to maintain his active life style, he
underwent double knee replacement surgery at age 65. Following an
incredibly short recovery, he was again shooting golf in the mid-80's.
Recognized for his innate sense of fair play and integrity, Dr. Bill
found time to lend a hand to those who chose to rise above complacency
and mediocrity, and he became a mentor to literally hundreds. Bill Amos
Jr. will be remembered for his gentle resolve, compassionate manner, and
dogged detenilination to achieve excellence in both his profession and
in sports.
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