Harold Ellsworth Burry

Inducted: 1996

DOB: 5/31/1912

Birthplace: New Castle, PA

BIO

Westminster College of New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, has had football since 1891. But the Titans were not always winners. There was a 40-year stretch, ending in 1951, when Westminster teams had a winning percentage of only .342. In 1952 ,Harold Burry became coach and changed all that. In 1953, he coached the school's first undefeated team. Other unbeaten records followed in 1955, 1956, 1964, 1970. Burry's teams won two titles in the Tri-State Conference and eight in the Western Pennsylvania Conference. His 1970 team won the NAIA Division II national championship. In 20 years, ending in 1971, his winning percentage was .794, based on a record of 127-31-5. The winning spark continued after Burry as Westminster has added more national titles. Burry played for Westminster 1932-34, began coaching at the high school level, and served as a submarine officer of the Navy in World War II. He had a doctor's degree in education and was renowned as a teacher and a coaching genius. At times he also coached Westminster soccer, track, cross-country, golf and swimming. He won championships in golf and track. President Richard Nixon presented him a White House citation. Burry was called a man of intensity and resolve who emphasized academics with his athletes. He was a motivator. He served as Westminster director of athletics from 1961-1977.

Schools:

Westminster College (PA)
(1952-1971)

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