Donald Eicher

Donald W. Eicher Sr. was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 1992.

Eicher earned his bachelor’s degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1937 and a master’s degree from West Virginia University in 1946.  He began his career as a teacher and coach at Rowlesburg High School before moving to University High School in Morgantown, where he also served as an instructor with WVU’s College of Education. During his time at University High, he organized the school’s first varsity football team in 1947 and led the wrestling program to a state championship in 1957.

In addition to coaching football, basketball, baseball, and wrestling, Eicher officiated basketball at the college, high school, and junior high levels for more than 25 years. Later in his career, he was active with the Florida Traffic & Safety Education Association and the Florida Association for Health, Recreation, Dance, and Driver Education.

Eicher’s career in education and athletics spanned more than five decades. His honors include the West Coast Official’s Award, the Honor Award for Distinguished Service, the Director of the Year Award, and recognition as a Life Member of the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials. He was named District Director of the Decade (1980s) by Florida Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association and Teacher/Educator of the Year Award in 1985 by the Pinellas County School Board.

He passed away in 1996.