William Alexander (coach) facts for kids
Alexander from The 1944 Blue Print
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| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 6, 1889 Mud River, Kentucky |
| Died | April 23, 1950 (aged 60) Atlanta, Georgia |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 134–95–15 (football) 36–38 (basketball) |
| Bowls | 3–2 |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Championships | |
| 1 National (1928) 2 SIAA (1920–1921) 3 SoCon (1922, 1927–1928) 3 SEC (1939, 1943–1944) |
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| Awards | |
| AFCA Coach of the Year (1942) Amos Alonzo Stagg Award (1947) SEC Coach of the Year (1939) |
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| College Football Hall of Fame Inducted in 1951 (profile) |
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William A. Alexander (June 6, 1889 – April 23, 1950) was a famous American football and basketball coach. He is best known for being the head football coach at Georgia Tech. He also served as the school's athletic director. Alexander was a very smart student, graduating at the top of his class from Georgia Tech in 1912. He took over as head coach in 1920 after the previous coach, John Heisman, retired.
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William Alexander's Coaching Career
William Alexander became the head football coach at Georgia Tech in 1920. He was a very successful coach for 25 years, until 1944. During his time, he led the Georgia Tech football team to many victories.
Championships and Awards
Alexander's teams won several important championships. They won three titles in the SIAA in 1920, 1921, and 1922. They also won three titles in the SoCon in 1922, 1927, and 1928.
His biggest achievement was leading Georgia Tech to a national championship in 1928. This was a huge win for the team and the school. Later, his teams also won three titles in the SEC in 1939, 1943, and 1944.
Alexander received several awards for his coaching. He was named AFCA Coach of the Year in 1942. He also received the Amos Alonzo Stagg Award in 1947. In 1939, he was named SEC Coach of the Year.
Legacy at Georgia Tech
William Alexander retired from coaching in 1944. He was replaced by Bobby Dodd, who had been one of his assistant coaches. Alexander's impact on Georgia Tech was so significant that a building on campus is named after him. The Alexander Memorial Coliseum at Georgia Tech honors his contributions to the school's sports programs. He was also inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951, recognizing him as one of the greatest coaches in college football history.
Images for kids
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Doug Wycoff
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Plaque at Georgia Tech honoring Alexander
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William Alexander Courtyard at McCamish Pavilion
