Williams, Virgil

Virgil Williams – (2006)

 

VIRGIL WILLIAMS

A 1976 graduate of Lorain High School, Virgil Williams re-wrote the record books while lettering in three sports.

In baseball, under Coach Vic Furiga, he started at multiple positions and displayed great talent and versatility for three seasons. In basketball, starting for Coach Dale Reichert, Virgil led the team in scoring in his junior year. However, it was on the football field where he excelled.

As a junior, he was named to 2nd team All-Ohio. Virgil led the Buckeye Conference in rushing and had record breaking nights against Sandusky (267 yards) and 200+ yard nights against Elyria and Marion.

In his senior year, he continued his dominance on the gridiron and the Buckeye Conference leading the Steelmen to an 8-2 mark, Lorain High’s best record since 1952. His notable achievements included:
-Leading the Buckeye conference in rushing
-Being named player of the week five times in the conference
-1st Team Buckeye Conference
-Buckeye Conference most valuable offensive back of the year
-All County and All District
-1st Team All-Ohio
Virgil was also selected to play in the annual Ohio North–South All-Star game. Honors continued as he was awarded the Lorain County Golden Helmet award, the Del Pollack award and the LSHOF J. Ed Uland award.

Virgil’s on-field accomplishments earned him the opportunity to continue his education on a football scholarship to the University of Michigan under Coach Bo Schembechler. A knee injury curtailed his career at Michigan. He subsequently transferred to the University of Toledo where he played for two years. As a free safety during his junior year he led the team in interceptions, was third in tackles and was named to the All Mid-America Conference team.

Virgil holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toledo, a Master of Arts from Webster University and a Master of Science degree in strategic studies from the United States Army War College.

Following his graduation from the University of Toledo he was commissioned an officer in the Army. Throughout his 25 year Army career he has served in a variety of leadership positions, from commanding a battalion of 600 soldiers, to his current command of the US Army garrison located in Vincenza, Italy. His responsibilities include providing support for 14,000 soldiers, government civilians and their families as well as Italian employees. For his service in Iraq, Virgil Williams was awarded the Bronze Star for service.

Colonel Williams is married to the former Mary Ward, they have a daughter Christine and a son Virgil III.

*WELCOME, VIRGIL WILLIAMS, INTO THE LORAIN SPORTS HALL OF FAME*