Lenoir-Rhyne University Athletics

Danny Williams, a 1958 graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne, lettered four years on the Lenoir-Rhyne Football Team from 1955 to 1957 and led the Bears to a 27-2-2 mark as a two position player (blocking back and linebacker). Williams was part of three North State Championships Teams and two undefeated squads (9-0-1 in 1955 and 10-0 in 1956).  Williams, who received his master's degree from Furman University, went on to coach nine years for the Bears (1965-73) and was the Bears' Head Coach for one season (1973), leading the squad to a 5-5-1 mark.  As an assistant football coach, Williams helped lead Lenoir-Rhyne to four conference titles and was named NAIA District 26 Track Coach of the Year.  After leaving Lenoir-Rhyne, Williams would stake his claim at nearby East Burke High School in Icard, N.C., where he served as a teacher, coach and administrator from 1974 to 1975.  As the Cavalier's Football Coach (1974-83), Williams won two league titles in 1978 and 1979 and was the Heach Coach of the Shrine Bowl in 1983.  Williams was also principal for East Burke from 1989 to 1995 before retiring.  The Cavaliers' football field was named in his honor in 2003.