Bridgewater College

VIDEO: JOHN C. VANCE'S HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY

John C. Vance is being honored posthumously with induction into the Bridgewater College Athletic Hall of Fame. Vance graduated with a degree from Bridgewater in 1953 and made his mark as a three-sport athlete in football, basketball and baseball for the Eagles, earning 11 varsity letters for his college career.

Vance was a three-time letterman in football and was one of the Eagle's top offensive backs during his time at the college. He was selected to the Associated Press All-Little Six football team in 1952 after accounting for the majority of the Eagles' 72 team points that season. In the 1952 opener against Shepherd, Vance had a 90-yard touchdown run and also completed a 59-yard pass to fellow Hall of Fame member Fred Pence. In a win against Gallaudet that same season, Vance scored two touchdowns and completed a 60-yard pass which set up another score. A baseball standout as well, Vance led the Eagles to a 37-25 record of four-years, including top marks of 11-5 in both 1950 and '52. An imposing pitcher for Bridgewater, Vance formed a powerful 1-2 pitching combination with fellow Hall of Fame member Bill Burkholder from 1950-52. He also won four letters on the Bridgewater basketball team and helped the Eagles to a 10-win season in 1951-52.

John graduated from Bridgewater in 1953 with a major in Physical Education and a minor in Biology. Upon graduation, Vance served a two-year tour of duty in the United States Army from 1953-55 and was a member of the Reserve Corps until 1961. While stationed in the Service, John starred for the White Sands Proving Ground Rockets baseball team at Fort Bliss in New Mexico. He had an outstanding two-year record of 21-6 as a pitcher and also batted .400 during his time as a Rocket. After his discharge from the Army, Vance returned to Loudoun County in 1955 and taught Health and Physical Education until 1971 while also coaching the football, basketball and baseball teams. He later earned a Master's Degree in Secondary Education and became the assistant Vice Principal of J. Lupton Simpson Middle School until retiring in 1991. John also served as a Deacon and Elder of his Church and was an active member of the Leesburg Lion Club from 1960 until his death in 1996. He was twice voted Leesburg's Lion of the Year.

John Vance's prowess as a Bridgewater athlete as well as his distinguished service in the field of Education makes him a natural choice for the Bridgewater College Athletic Hall of Fame.