This fall, two College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences graduates will join the WVU 2015 Sports Hall of Fame induction class.
On September 26, prior to the West Virginia-Maryland football game, WVU Sports will recognize six honorees for their extraordinary contributions made both as student-athletes and in their careers.
WVU will honor Kevin Gilson and Ken Herock, along with four other outstanding former Mountaineers, in the Hall of Fame.
Kevin Gilson arrived at WVU in August 1965 after earning his bachelor’s degree in physical education from the University of Maryland the previous year. During his time at West Virginia, Gilson attended graduate school to earn both his master’s and doctorate degrees.
“CPASS was instrumental in the formation of my philosophies for teaching, coaching and life in general. While in graduate school, I was fortunate to have many outstanding faculty as mentors and later as colleagues and friends,” explained Gilson.
Gilson is best remembered for his accomplishments as Head Coach of the WVUMen’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving team from 1967-1996. During his 30 year leadership, Gilson acquired countless awards including West Virginia Coach of the Year, four-time Eastern Conference Coach of the Year, and was named the Men’s and Women’s Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year in 1994.
Ken Herock, a Pennsylvania native, traveled to WVU to begin his career on the gridiron. Herock went on to earn three varsity letters as a Mountaineer, his first in 1960 as a sophomore tight end and linebacker.
Despite his letter-worthy performance, WVU did not win a single game during the 1960 season. Herock and the Mountaineers remained disciplined throughout the offseason and went on to win 12 games in the next two seasons. Herock led the defensive effort with more than 100 career tackles. He was also the first Mountaineer to play in a Super Bowl.
After his final season as a Mountaineer, Herock entered the 1963 NFL draft where he was selected by the Oakland Raiders. After six successful seasons as a player, Herock joined administration as teams across the NFLrecognized his expertise, where he served in multiple positions throughout numerous organizations.
Herock’s 38-year NFL resume lists him as a scout, coach, personnel director, and general manager. His favorite role was as a talent hunter. “I definitely enjoyed being a scout. I loved traveling to meet these upcoming stars. You could see the passion they had for the sport and I could always relate to that,” he explained.
A native of Munhall, Pennsylvania, Herock is a member of the CPASS Hall of Fame, the Western Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame and the Pennsylvania State Hall of Fame.