1991 Hall of Fame Inductees

Willie D. Akers Jr. was recognized as an Outstanding Alumnus by the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences in 1991.

A native of Mullens, W.Va., Akers was a two-time all-state selection at Mullens High School and helped lead his team to the Class AAA state title in 1955. He enrolled at West Virginia University in 1956 alongside fellow standout Jerry West, with whom he would form one of the most highly regarded duos in state high school basketball history.

William A. Bonsall was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 1991 and later recognized as an Outstanding Alumnus in 2009.

Born in Philadelphia in 1923, Bonsall developed his passion for gymnastics while attending Bartram High School, where he competed on the school’s first gymnastics team in 1939. He enrolled at Penn State University in 1942 and was a member of the Nittany Lions’ NCAA championship gymnastics team that year before leaving to serve in World War II.

Lawrence B. “Chic” Ciccarelli was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 1991.

Born in Harrison County, W.Va., in 1926, Ciccarelli left Shinnston High School in 1944 to enlist in the U.S. Army. He served in numerous battles during World War II and, though awarded the Purple Heart, declined the honor, feeling he had not earned it.

Gene Corum was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 1991 and recognized as an Outstanding Alumnus in 2001.

A native of Huntington, W.Va., Corum was born in 1921 and earned all-state honors in football at Huntington High School. He enrolled at West Virginia University in 1940 and became a standout guard on the Mountaineer football team. His collegiate career was interrupted by 3-plus years of military service during World War II, but he returned to complete his eligibility and serve as team captain in 1947. That season, he blocked a punt that helped WVU defeat rival Pitt for the first time in 19 years. He was also an active student leader, involved in Mountain, Fi Batar Cappar, and Beta Theta Pi.

Phillip B. Donley was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 1991 and recognized as an Outstanding Alumnus in 2013.

A native of the Northern Panhandle and a graduate of Follansbee High School, Donley came to West Virginia University in 1952 and earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education. After graduating in 1956, he pursued a degree in physical therapy.

Beatrice Hurst was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in 2025. She was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 1991.

Born in 1901 in Utah, Hurst graduated from high school in 1919 and attended the University of Utah. She then began her teaching career, and in 1928, she was invited by Grace Griffin to join the initial faculty of what would become the School of Physical Education at West Virginia University.

Jack H. Springer was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 1991.

A native of Sistersville, W.Va., Springer was born in 1917 and played football at Sistersville High School under Floyd “Ben” Schwartzwalder. He enrolled at West Virginia University in 1937, where he participated in ROTC, track, football, and campus organizations including Sigma Chi and Fi Batar Cappar. After graduating in 1941, Springer served five years in the U.S. Army, earning battle stars for his service in Normandy, northern France, and the Rhineland, and receiving the Bronze Star as an athletic officer in the Army’s Special Services.