Carl W. Flanagan

Carl W. Flanagan 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 1993.

A native of Parsons, W.Va., Carl Flanagan earned both his bachelor’s (1940) and master’s (1952) degrees in physical education from West Virginia University, where he lettered in both baseball and basketball and received academic honors. As a student, he also served as a park ranger during summers in locations including the Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains, Yellowstone, and Rocky Mountain National Park. He was recognized with several meritorious awards for his rescue efforts.

Following graduation, Flanagan served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, where he received multiple honors and citations, including a personal commendation from Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal.

He began his coaching career at Winfield High School and led one of the state’s smallest-enrollment schools to statewide and national football recognition. His 1948 team set a defensive record that stood for decades, and he coached the school’s first all-state football player.

Flanagan later served as supervisor of instruction and athletics at the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. There, he established the school’s first formal physical education program and led the volleyball team to a record of 259-14 over two decades. He also organized the annual Tri-Valley Boy Scout Swim Meet and coached the Deaf-Blind Troop to two championships.

Flanagan retired in 1988 following a career that spanned more than 40 years in education, including 34 at the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and Blind. He was recognized by the West Virginia Coaches Association and honored with numerous plaques for his work with youth. He was also a member of several organizations, including the National Parks Alumni Association and the West Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution.

Flanagan passed away on Aug. 28, 2004.