Bridgewater College

VIDEO: O. PAUL SIPLE HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY

Paul Siple was a four-year letter winner at shortstop for the Eagle baseball team from 1939-42 and captained the '42 edition as a senior. After graduation, he went on to become an All-American during the National Semi-Professional playoffs in Wichita, Kansas. He graduated from Bridgewater with a Bachelor's of Arts degree and then served in the United States Navy for three years during World War II.

After the War, Paul returned to Bath County and became a very successful high school football, basketball and baseball coach. He earned his Masters degree from the University of Virginia in 1957, subsequently serving as principal of Bath County High School from 1955-57. During his tenure at Bath County, Paul led the Hornets to an undefeated 1949 state football championship and a total of five district titles. His baseball teams won nine district championships and his basketball teams won three district titles. He also coached the girls' basketball team and guided one team to a perfect 16-0 record. He served Bath County High School from 1942-57, compiling a 326-81 record in four sports.

In 1957, Paul moved to the Boy's Home in Covington, Va., and served as coach and recreation director there until 1970. In 1970, he was appointed Associate Director and remained in that position until his retirement in 1986, and then he served as a consultant until 1992. Paul is active with the state hunter safety program and in 1987 was awarded the William D. Morgan Memorial Award as outstanding Hunter Education Instructor in the state of Virginia. He is active in the Episcopal Church, Kiwanis Club, Heart Unit, Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion. He has been active in the professional baseball scouting service and has worked for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies and Cincinnati Reds.

Paul's athletic accomplishments at Bridgewater and after graduation and his leadership in Bath County have been superior and he is well qualified for the Bridgewater College Athletic Hall of Fame.