Bearse, a Georgia native, was the second athletic director in the school's history, bringing home 28 Pennsylvania Collegiate Athletic Association state championships and 68 Eastern Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference titles during his 35-year tenure.
View full sizeBill Bearse poses in front of the many athletic titles the Northampton County Community College was able to bring in under his tenure before his 2007 retirement.Bearse was the second person in history to hold the athletic director title at the Bethlehem Township, Pa., community college when he was appointed in August 1972. The Georgia-born man who helped lay the foundation for NCC's athletics, stayed at the college until his retirement in 2007.
A member of the NCC Athletic Hall of Fame, Bearse helped the school secure 28 Pennsylvania Collegiate Athletic Association state championships and 68 Eastern Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference titles, the college reports.
"We lost a great friend and loyal supporter," said NCC Director of Athletics Troy Tucker, "Bill's dedication and tireless work ethic laid the foundation for the NCC athletic program that you see today."Bearse served as commissioner and president of both the PCAA and EPCC as well as NCC's baseball, golf, cross country and bowling coach at various points during his tenure at the college, formerly known as Northampton County Community Colllege.
Bearse leaves behind his wife Karen and two sons, Billy and Kevin, according to the college.