Ray Singley

• Post by: mcalibrary
• December 15, 2023
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INDUCTEE

Ray Singley epitomized the Coal Region youth, who used his skill as an athlete to finance his education. He was one of 13 children living in a Company house, whose football ability as captain of the Mount Carmel High School team earned him a scholarship at Gettysburg College.

He played 4 years at Gettysburg, captaining the team in 1925. In 1926 he returned to Mount Carmel as head coach of both Football and Basketball. The following summer he attended Knute Rockne’s Coaching School. Apparently the lessons of the Old Master were learned well: in 1927 he coached the Tornadoes to the State Championship in Football.

He left Mount Carmel after another 4 years to become an assistant at Williamsport with Coach Harold Rock. He remained there 9 years and then retired. But he kept his interest in the sport alive by officiating until 1950.

In 1977, on the 50th Anniversary of the State Championship, he was honored at a Banquet by the Mount Carmel Rotary Club. His acceptance speech was one of the most emotional and dignified, ever heard. It was one of the Highlights of the 63 year History of that Banquet. Mr. Singley passed away in 1980.