Hall of Fame
"Coach."
This is the name many alumni and friends use when talking about Bill Blair from Galax, Virginia.
During his time as a cadet at Fork Union, Blair was a member of the football, baseball and basketball teams. In 1949, he served as Co-Captain of the baseball team. When he graduated from FUMA, Blair attended Hampden-Sydney College and was Co-Captain of both the football and baseball teams and was honored as All-State on both teams.
In 1958, he returned to FUMA as an English and Latin instructor and as an athletic coach. In 1962, he was named the Assistant Athletic Director and continued his teaching duties until 1969. Blair was then promoted to Athletic Director and served as such until his retirement in 1995.
Among his many accomplishments during his time at FUMA, Blair founded and developed FUMA's prep (high school) athletic program and initiated the Academy's entrance into the Virginia Preparatory League. He also served as President of Virginias Military Schools' League from 1970 to 1972 and was inducted into the Twin Counties (Southwest Virginia) Sports Hall of Fame in 1984.
Blair's commitment to Fork Union goes beyond the court and playing fields. He helped nurture thousands of young men and served as a mentor for many FUMA cadets. Blair's impact as their teacher, coach, and lifelong friend cannot be measured, but is evident in the many lives he helped shape at the Academy.
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