VIDEO: JOE FREELAND HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY
Joe Freeland played three sports while at Bridgewater College and performed at an All-Conference level in both football and track and field. He also lettered twice on the tennis court.
Joe was a four-year starter on the defensive line for coach John Spencer's football team. In 1978, Joe was named to the All-ODAC first team, and in 1979 he served as the Eagles' defensive captain.
Joe also excelled in track and field during both the indoor and outdoor seasons. He was the ODAC indoor champion in the 35-pound throw in 1979 and 1980 and added the shot put title in 1980. He helped the Eagles win the ODAC indoor title in 1979 and 1980.
During the outdoor season, Joe won the ODAC shot put title in 1978 and 1980 with school and conference record throws each time. Joe was a member of three consecutive ODAC championship teams from 1978-1980.
Following graduation from Bridgewater College, Joe embarked on a successful coaching career at both the high school and collegiate level. He started his coaching career at Rappahannock High School before moving to Washington & Lee University where he served as an assistant track and assistant football coach. He then moved to Shepherd College where he was the head baseball coach and an assistant on the football staff. From 1991-1998, Joe built the postgraduate football program at Hargrave Military Academy from its inception to national recognition. He coached more than 130 players who went on to play at the Division I level and 21 who signed with the NFL. He also served as Hargrave's Chief of Staff from 1995-1997.
In 1998 he returned to the high school ranks at his alma mater, Randolph-Henry, as the head track coach. In 2000 he was named head football coach, and in 2003 he assumed the duties of athletic director.
Joe is married to Allison H. Freeland (Class of '81) and the couple has two sons Nathanial Aaron (14) and Conner William (11).
For his outstanding performance as a three-sport athlete at Bridgewater College and his continued success as a coach and educator, Joe Freeland is deserving of induction into the Bridgewater College Athletic Hall of Fame.
