Bill Callahan

Callahan – who was better known in his playing days as “Bumpy” – had an outstanding athletic career in Erie. It started when he was a starter on the St. Patrick Grade School CYO State Champion basketball team in 1964. He then was a three-year starter on the Tech Memorial basketball team while earning All-City first-team honors during his senior season. He also was one of the top high school golfers in the City while playing for the Centaurs for four seasons, including the district championship team of 1969 when he received the Tech Memorial Athlete of the Year Award. He earned All-City first-team recognition following his senior season and was the runner-up in the City Junior Tournament. He also received a Golf Digest award as one of the most improved golfers in 1969. After earning a scholarship to Gannon, he became a two-sport star for the Golden Knights while earning eight letters. The left-hander, who was a starting guard for three seasons on the basketball team was the Knights’ captain in 1972-73, the same season he was recognized in the Street and Smith national basketball magazine. He set the game, season and career assist records for the Golden Knights. He doubled as a valuable player on some of Gannon’s best golf teams under Coach Bud Elwell, including three teams that played in the NCAA National Championships. He still holds the school record for most dual match wins. After his collegiate career, the left-hander played in the National Public Links Championship in 1969. He also won four club championships in Erie – two at Glenwood Golf Course and two more at Downing Golf Course.