Bill Young transferred to The College of Idaho from Boise Junior College after his sophomore year to play football and run track for the Yotes at the behest of former roommate Frank Bishop.
"It was a great move for me and a great opportunity," Young said. He majored in physical education and graduated from the C of I in 1963.
Young began teaching and coaching at Middleton High School in 1962 and outside of one school-year in California, spent the next 26 years in various coaching and education roles in the Treasure Valley.
He coached football, track and wrestling for the Vikings before taking his talents to Vallivue High in 1969. As an administrator at Vallivue, Young initiated the first parent-teacher conferences at the school. As football coach, he led the team to its first state championship in 1979. Young then fulfilled a dream of his to become the executive director of the Idaho High School Activities Association — a position that he held until his retirement in 2006.
Young believes reinstating the football program at C of I is a fantastic opportunity for passionate Treasure Valley students to come play a great sport and go to an outstanding school with great teachers and small class-size.
"Sometimes large isn't always better," he said. "I loved the College because it was small."
Young says the C of I is a "wonderful" college that prepares students for lifelong success and holds everyone accountable.
"People care. That's the most important thing," Young said. "People care about the (football) program, people care about [the student-athletes]. They are willing to go out and promote the College."
