Bill Ross honored by New York Administrators Association

Bill Ross, former longtime Niagara County legislator, received the honor of being selected by the board of directors of New York State Administrators Association Hall of Fame Committee as a member of the third induction class. He was one of 12 inductees for the NYSAAA Class of 2016. He was honored art an induction ceremony on March 18 at the David Martens Awards Luncheon at the Saratoga Hilton in Saratoga Springs.

His selection was based on his accomplishments with NYSAA over a 25-year period of active membership with the organization (1983-2007), which included the presidency in 2000. It also included accomplishments at Niagara-Wheatfield High School and Section VI.

Ross graduated from LaSalle High School in Niagara Falls in 1951. He was awarded a football scholarship to Michigan State University, where he was a letter-winner on three MSU championship teams, including the National Champions in 1952, the Big 10 Champions in 1963 and the Rose Bowl Champions in 1954).

Ross graduated from MSU in 1955 and entered the U.S. Army as an ROTC officer. He completed his military service and was hired by the Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District where he became the first varsity football coach. He was also assigned to teach American history and civics.

Ross moved to the Edward Town Junior High School in 1965, where he became a building administrator for 12 years before moving back to the high school in 1977 for the combined position of director of athletics/physical education and assistant principal. Ross remained in the positions until 1994 when he was appointed interim principal.

Ross returned to the director of athletics and assistant position after 18 months and completed his 47-year career with Niagara-Wheatfield in June 2003.

Ross's accomplishments as the athletic director over 27 years included a full varsity and junior varsity girls program, establishment of the first boys and girls lacrosse programs in section VI, and a full modified sports program while upgrading many of the sports facilities at Niagara-Wheatfield High School.