Indiana University of Pennsylvania Athletics

Although an English professor was his main profession, William Betts, Jr. has been involved with IUP athletics since the basketball days of Regis “Peck” McKnight. An assistant under names such as McKnight, Herm Sledzik, Carl Davis and Tom Beck, Betts has been a part of countless wins, conference and regional championships, and has associated himself with several Hall of Famers.

Betts saw time behind the mic, broadcasting IUP basketball and football games with friend Jack Benedict through the 1980s. He witnessed even more conference championships and NCAA postseason appearances by both teams from the comfort of a radio booth. 

Not only will Betts’ be a part of IUP’s Athletic Hall of Fame with this Honorary Bell Ringer Award, but he has also been inducted into the Indiana County and Clearfield County Halls of Fame. 

The author and 40-year professor graduated from Dickinson College in 1949 and received his master’s and doctorate degrees from Penn State University in 1950 and 1954, respectively.