BU Athletics Mourns the Passing of Hall of Famer William Tighe
April 17, 2020 | General
The Boston University Department of Athletics is saddened to learn of the recent passing of BU Hall of Famer William Tighe ('49).
His athletic career was marked by considerable success at a variety of levels. After starting at third base during his sophomore year in 1947, he was forced into the pitching rotation to help solidify a depleted staff and immediately responded by twirling a no-hitter en route to a perfect 3-0 record.
However, he is far better known for his exploits with the Terrier football team. He developed into the club's starting quarterback midway through his junior year, and helped lead the club to a 5-3 mark with wins over Mohawk, NYU, Fordham, Kings Point and Colgate. He completed 12-of-25 passes for 185 yards, while gaining an additional 80 yards on 12 carriers for a 6.6 average and 265 yards of total offense.
He was again the Terriers' signal-caller in 1948, directing the team to a 6-2 slate, including triumphs over Temple, Syracuse and Colgate. Tighe connected on 21-of-39 passing attempts for 295 yards, while rushing for an additional 42 yards on 11 carries. During his final semester, he closed out his athletic career by serving as captain of the Terrier baseball team.
Born in 1924, Tighe joined the Terriers after graduating from Ashland High School in 1942 and serving in the Army Air Forces in the Pacific during World War II as a P-38 crew chief.
Following his BU tenure, he spent time with the St. Johnsbury (Vt.) professional baseball team of the Northern League before commencing a highly-successful high school football coaching career. His exploits did not go unnoticed by his alma mater. In 1962, he was named "Coach of the Year" by the Alumni Varsity Club, and, in 1964, he received honorable mention on Boston University's Post-War All-Star Grid Team.
From 1957-1963, Tighe guided Wakefield to a 43-15-4 mark and four Middlesex League Championships. He moved in 1975 to Lexington High. In 1983, he received the New England Football Officials Memorial Award, and one year later, he was inducted into the Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame with an overall record of 133-72-8.
In his final season at Lexington in 2010 before retiring, he was recognized as the oldest active high school football coach at the age of 86. He concluded his career at 269-232-13 and was also inducted into halls of fame belonging to Lexington, Malden and Wakefield.
His athletic career was marked by considerable success at a variety of levels. After starting at third base during his sophomore year in 1947, he was forced into the pitching rotation to help solidify a depleted staff and immediately responded by twirling a no-hitter en route to a perfect 3-0 record.
However, he is far better known for his exploits with the Terrier football team. He developed into the club's starting quarterback midway through his junior year, and helped lead the club to a 5-3 mark with wins over Mohawk, NYU, Fordham, Kings Point and Colgate. He completed 12-of-25 passes for 185 yards, while gaining an additional 80 yards on 12 carriers for a 6.6 average and 265 yards of total offense.
He was again the Terriers' signal-caller in 1948, directing the team to a 6-2 slate, including triumphs over Temple, Syracuse and Colgate. Tighe connected on 21-of-39 passing attempts for 295 yards, while rushing for an additional 42 yards on 11 carries. During his final semester, he closed out his athletic career by serving as captain of the Terrier baseball team.
Born in 1924, Tighe joined the Terriers after graduating from Ashland High School in 1942 and serving in the Army Air Forces in the Pacific during World War II as a P-38 crew chief.
Following his BU tenure, he spent time with the St. Johnsbury (Vt.) professional baseball team of the Northern League before commencing a highly-successful high school football coaching career. His exploits did not go unnoticed by his alma mater. In 1962, he was named "Coach of the Year" by the Alumni Varsity Club, and, in 1964, he received honorable mention on Boston University's Post-War All-Star Grid Team.
From 1957-1963, Tighe guided Wakefield to a 43-15-4 mark and four Middlesex League Championships. He moved in 1975 to Lexington High. In 1983, he received the New England Football Officials Memorial Award, and one year later, he was inducted into the Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame with an overall record of 133-72-8.
In his final season at Lexington in 2010 before retiring, he was recognized as the oldest active high school football coach at the age of 86. He concluded his career at 269-232-13 and was also inducted into halls of fame belonging to Lexington, Malden and Wakefield.
BU Terriers Unleashed - Season 7, Episode 3
Sunday, April 12
Highlights: MLAX vs. Bucknell (4/11/26)
Saturday, April 11
Highlights: Women's Lacrosse vs. Lehigh (4/11/26)
Saturday, April 11
Highlights:Softball vs. Providence (4/8/26)
Wednesday, April 08
