“Wee Willie Wikle” was his given nickname by Dayton Daily News sports writer John Olesky for he was small by most standards at 5’7″ and 137 pounds. Bill earned seven varsity letters at Stivers, two each in baseball and gymnastics, and three in football, his strongest sport.
Bill played both offense and defense for the Tigers and was rarely off the field. He was a fast, elusive and fearless competitor at safety and halfback. On Nov. 13,1963 Bill was named Dayton Daily News “Athlete of the Week” after rushing for 188 yards and two touch downs against Colonel White. In a triumph over Tecumseh. Bill gained 172 yards rushing despite having a 93 yard run called back for clipping. He was the fifth leading rusher in the Dayton Public League in 1963. He never let his lack of size affect his play. When Bill stepped on the gridiron, he became a giant.
In 1962 Bill was named to the All-City 2nd Team defense as a Junior. Then in 1963, he was one of only two unanimous selections on the All-City 1st Team defense. He was also named to the All-City 2nd Team offense. Additional honors included the Dayton Daily News All-Greater Dayton 2nd Team defense and the Journal Herald All-Area 1st Team.
In addition to his football accolades, Bill was one of the top gymnast in the city. In 1962 he was a silver medalists on the highbar and steel rings in the Dayton City meet.
Bill married his high school sweetheart, Patty Gregor, also a Stivers Athletic Hall of Fame nominee for her many gymnastic accomplishments. They have 2 children, Annette and Billy, 4 grandchildren and they live in Beavercreek, OH.
