SUNY Cortland Athletics

Reuben H. "Barney" Williams was a professor of physical education and a coach at SUNY Cortland for 28 years before retiring in 1985. A native of Chambersburg, Pa., he graduated in 1947 from West Chester State, where he was a standout athlete in football, basketball, tennis and track. He received his master's degree from Columbia University in 1949 and his Ph.D. from the University of Maryland in 1969. Prior to coming to Cortland, Williams taught physical education and coached basketball and tennis at Stevens Institute of Technology and Park College. He headed the Physical Education and Recreation Department at Park.

At Cortland, Williams coached tennis for 20 seasons and men's basketball for four seasons. His 1963-64 team finished with an 18-3 mark. For many years, he directed the Graduate Program in physical education. The long-time historian of the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC), he was honored by the league with its 1992 Distinguished Service Award. He wrote the first history of the SUNYAC in 1979. A professional tennis player, Williams was a member of the United States Lawn Tennis Association. He was Professor Emeritus of Physical Education at Cortland.

UPDATE: Williams passed away January 1, 1997.