Kutztown University Athletics

            William “Billy” Nill (’62) was a two-way player for the then Golden Avalanche football team from 1957-59.  Nill excelled on the field at center on offense and at middle linebacker on defense.  The versatile athlete also handled kickoffs, extra points and field goals, often never leaving the field for the entire game.  Nill’s kicking led to several exciting wins, while his play on offense and defense was a substantial reason in Kutztown’s success.  Nill was hailed by his teammates as a natural leader, and acted as a “coach on the field.”  In 1958, Nill served as co-captain, leading the team to a 3-3-1 record.  The next year, he again served as captain, with the team finishing 3-4-1.  After leaving Kutztown, Nill had a tryout with the New York Titans of the American Football League.  Though he did not make the team, Nill signed on with the Jersey Giants of the Atlantic Coast Football League, a “minor league” system for the AFL.  Nill played two seasons with the Giants before returning to Kutztown in 1962.  He continued to inspire Golden Bear football players as a student coach that spring, as he completed his student teaching and finished his bachelor’s degree in education.  Afterwards, Nill went into coaching at Ferris and Wallington high schools in New Jersey, then into the business arena, which took him to Europe for several years.  He returned to teaching in 1991, and currently serves as the English department coordinator at Dickinson High School in Jersey City, NJ.  Nill has three children, two sons and a daughter.