CLARKSON
ATHLETICS HALL of FAME

PETER DWYER
Class of 1995 Inductee

During the brisk autumn Saturday afternoons of the 1930s and early 1940s, Clarkson's football teams were recognized among the elite gridiron squads in small college eastern football. The man mostly responsible for the Green and Gold's elite status was Pete Dwyer. Considered a man with forcible and fiery personality and a developer of good teams, Dwyer became the most successful football coach in Clarkson's history and guided the Tech eleven to great prominence.

In the spring of 1931, Dwyer became Clarkson's new football coach and brought a wealth of knowledge to the Tech gridiron. A native of Syracuse, Dwyer was a three-year football letterman and backfield star at Notre Dame, from which he graduated in 1910. He gained extensive coaching experience before coming to Clarkson. Dwyer coached at Davidson College, Niagara University and served as the top assistant at Syracuse immediately prior to Clarkson.

He coached football for 12 years at Clarkson and complied a 43-35-8 record from 1931 to 1942. Dwyer's teams had eight seasons with at least a .500 record, including six winning campaigns and two conference championships.

Dwyer's football team always excelled in that all-important department - Courage. They fought every minute of the way, whether ahead or behind. Although sometimes out manned, Dwyer's teams were never outfought. They played sixty minutes of hard, bruising football.

For six years, from 1930-36, Dwyer also coached Clarkson's basketball team, compiling a 58-52 record. His 1934-35 squad is the most successful basketball team at Clarkson with a 15-4 record.

Dwyer also served as the College's Director of Athletics and is largely responsible for the Construction of Clarkson's Walker Arena. Dwyer, who often remarked that he always wanted to be known as a "Clarkson man", was named an Honorary Alumnus in 1961.

The Clarkson University Athletic Hall of Fame was founded in 1992 to honor perpetuate the memory of those individuals who, either through participation, support or interest has made outstanding contributions to Clarkson athletics. And who have helped to bring recognition, honor and distinction to the University. It is with great pride that Clarkson inducts Peter Dwyer into the Athletic Hall of Fame.

 

William O' Flaherty
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Hall of Fame Chairman
November 18, 1995