Former West Chester, Widener football coach Bill Zwaan recognized with Lifetime Achievement Award from Philly Sports Writers Association
Bill Zwaan retired from coaching football after 27 seasons on the sidelines for Widener University and most recently West Chester University.
He receives a Philadelphia Sports Writers Association Lifetime Achievement Award not for his many wins, but because when he achieved, so did his family – wife Rosemary, son Bill, Jr. and daughter Caroline. And when his team achieved, and his players achieved, that meant he achieved.
And there were so many achievements. To join the celebration of Zwaan’s achievements as well as the many other honorees at guests, including Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola, the 1973-74 Stanley Cup-winning Flyers and more at the 119th PSWA Banquet on Jan. 17, 2024, you can get tickets by clicking here.
The former University of Delaware quarterback began his coaching career began at Monsignor Bonner High in 1977, and in 1980 he was an assistant at the University of Cincinnati. After coaching stops at the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y., and Martin County High in Florida, he became the head coach at Widener. In six seasons with the Pride (formerly Pioneers during Zwaan’s days), he compiled a 54-14 record and made trips to the national quarterfinals and semifinals.
In 2003 Zwaan took the job at West Chester, where in 20 seasons he would post a 163-76 record and become the winningest coach in program history. Zwaan guided the Golden Rams to 10 postseason berths, including two trips to the national semifinals. Among his most notable players were Rondell White and Mike Washington, both past winners of the PSWA’s Outstanding Amateur Athlete Award.
Zwaan mentored 13 All-Americans, and his overall coaching mark of 217- 90 made him the winningest active coach on the Division II level.
For Zwaan, the real victories were in helping others on and off the football field. Among other charitable endeavors, he has given effort to such charitable endeavors as the Promise Program at West Chester, Autism Awareness, and Be the Match bone marrow donation program. Over the past six years, he and his family have run a Christmas Holiday drive to help homeless West Chester students, brightening their holidays with gift cards, presents and dinners. He was always available to help his players in need with their everyday life situations.
A staple at the Small College Football weekly luncheons, Zwaan will talk about various subjects such as officials, the game, the trips, anything. He even shared how getting to the buses could be an adventure. He does make you smile, and yet has that ability to make you understand the impact behind more serious matters. Everyone in attendance was glad to have been able to cross his path – and will again.
Fittingly he went into the last game – a 34-7 victory over Clarion – wanting it to be about the game and those who played in it, but afterward, there was a truly celebratory atmosphere for the coach. There were so many who packed Farrell Stadium that November afternoon – family, former players, friends and people who just wanted to be a part of the special day. Later, there was a reception, where there would be pictures taken, memories shared and well wishes for a legendary Rams coach.
In his retirement, Zwaan, 69, will think back to what made him smile and why the journey was worth the while.
When many former players and friends greeted him, they would ask for a picture as a keepsake, demonstrating how important a person he was in their life. And Bill Zwaan would smile when those players would say something like, “I remember what you said, Coach.”
Who can forget? It is such a good feeling. One that lasts a lifetime.
Bill Zwaan photo courtesy of West Chester University Athletics (wcupagoldenrams.com)