W. P. Astle

W. P. “Buck” Astle

Coach W. P. “Buck” Astle at a reception for Homer Woodson Hargiss
Sport(s)	Football
Biographical details
Born	July 27, 1902 Newton, Kansas[1]
Died	December 1983 (aged 81) Newton, Kansas
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1937–1939	McPherson
Head coaching record
Overall	9–15–3 (.389)

William Pierce “Buck” Astle (July 27, 1902 – December 1983) was an American football player, coach, and official in the United States.^[2]

Playing career

Buck Astle played multiple sports at Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas. He has been inducted into the "Athletic Hall of Honor" at the school in three sports: football, basketball, and baseball.^[3] At Emporia, he played under legendary coach Homer Woodson Hargiss.^[4]

Coaching career

Coach W. P. "Buck" Astle was the head college football coach for the McPherson Bulldogs located in McPherson, Kansas. He held that position for 3 seasons, from 1937 until 1939. His coaching record at McPherson was 9 wins, 15 losses and 3 ties. As of the conclusion of the 2010 season, this ranks him #13 at McPherson in total wins and #13 at the school in winning percentage (.389).^[5]

Officiating

After coaching, Astle continued to work as an official in multiple games, including the 1951 Central Missouri State vs. Southwestern football game^[6] and the 1961 Orange Bowl.^[1]

References

1. "W. P. Astle Will Be Top Official in Orange Bowl Game". Emporia Gazette. December 15, 1960. Retrieved December 30, 2011.
2. "Buck Astle to Resign". Lawrence Journal-World. February 26, 1940. Retrieved December 30, 2011.
3. "ESU Athletics Hall of Honor". Emporia State University. Retrieved December 30, 2011.
4. "Football Innovator dies at 91". The Evening Independent. October 18, 1978. Retrieved December 30, 2011.
5. "McPherson College Football Media Guide 2010" (PDF). McPherson College Athletics. Retrieved 10 November 2010.
6. McDermott, William F (December 9, 1951). "Football's Man of the Year". Los Angeles Times. p. H10. Retrieved October 3, 2013.