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Bill Morley

Halfback

Inducted 1971

Date of Birth

3/17/1876

Birthplace

Cimarron, NM

Schools

Columbia University (1899-1901)

University of Michigan (1895-1895)

Bio

The Columbia backfield of 1899 could strike from every position, often with electrifying results. It was that backfield which became the first Lions squad to beat Yale, and the 5-0 victory over the Elis was carried off through the efforts of Hall of Famers, Harold Weekes and Bill Morley. Morley's exciting gains and devastating blocks took the heart out of the Eli defense. Columbia finished at 8-3-0 that season and Morley went on to receive second-team honors that year and consensus All-America honors in 1900 and 1901. Prior to playing at Columbia, he spent the 1895 season at Michigan. During his three Columbia seasons, Morley helped the Blue and White amass a record of 23-11-1. The following year, Morley became the first Columbia graduate to assume the head coaching duties at the school. He was equally successful as a coach, chalking up a 26-11-4 record during four seasons at the Columbia helm. His 1902 team finished 9-1, losing only to Yale. After his brief service as Columbia coach, Morley returned to his native New Mexico where he worked as a mining engineer and rancher.