Ferris Antoon

Ferris Antoon 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 2003.

A native of Uniontown, Pa., Antoon was born in 1932 and graduated from North Union High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from West Virginia University and later received a Master of Science degree from Monmouth University in 1970.

Antoon began his teaching career as a physical education and health teacher at Bradley Elementary School in Asbury Park, N.J., where he worked with underserved children. In 1968, he moved to Frank Antonides School, where he spent the next 32 years and played a key role in establishing the first competitive interscholastic leagues for middle school soccer, basketball, track, and field hockey in Monmouth County. Under his leadership, the county’s soccer league grew from six boys’ teams to 57 schools competing in boys’ and girls’ divisions. 

In addition to his work as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and league director, Antoon founded and directed the Brookdale Community College Summer Sports Camps for 26 years, developing a strong reputation for quality programming. He also served two years as executive director for the New Jersey division of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD). Antoon retired from teaching in 1993 and was elected to the Shore Conference Soccer Hall of Fame in 1989.

Antoon was an active WVU alumnus through his involvement in the Old Gold Club, the Mountaineer Athletic Club, and as a lifetime member of the WVU Alumni Association. He passed away on Jan. 19, 2013, at the age of 80.