Hall of Fame
Bill Ouellette's sports career at Norwich was not linear, interrupted during his freshman year by a shattered wrist while playing football. Yet when he returned to the football and baseball fields in 1953, his skills became legendary.
The 1954 War Whoop described him as "one of the best all-around athletes ever to enter the gates of Norwich" and "possesses one of the finest arms in collegiate baseball circles." He was captain of the baseball team in 1954. From Jay, Maine, he was known as the "Maine Rock." Ouellette said the town was so small they didn't have enough players for an 11-man football team.
Ouellette recalled poignant memories of the coaches, classmates and professors from his years on the Hill. "The people I met made a real difference to me," he said. "The teachers could teach without even opening a book."
After graduating from Norwich, Ouellette entered the U.S. Army as a second Lieutenant. He served in active duty in Germany during the Korean conflict in 1954-56 as a communications officer. He was also a 1st Lt. for the 302nd Army Security Agency Battalion and the HQ Company's Executive Officer. Ouellette retired from the Army in 1962.
He spent many years as a salesman, working for Elmdir Corporation and retired as a District Sales Manager after nearly 20 years at Dow Corning. At Dow, Ouellette developed a patent for construction sealant. He earned numerous awards for sales and was a member of the Presidential Sales club.
Ouellette noted that he got a "great education" at Norwich and that although it was "tough," it provided the "discipline to follow through the rest of your life and taught you how to give back."
Ouellette's passion for sports and his desire to give back has never left him. He has coached youth sports for decades, including baseball, basketball and football. Ouellette loves coaching. "You have to teach the proper way of playing a game, that winning isn't everything. And to be fair and square," he said. "And also remember you have to work hard and have fun."
Many Little League championship baseball teams won under his guidance. His greatest pride has been coaching family members. With six children and seventeen grandchildren, he has had plenty of opportunity. He noted with pride that all his grandkids were athletes of some kind. His grandson, Donovan Brown '10, was an award-winning football and baseball player for the Cadets.
Living in Glendora, Calif., with his wife, Theresa, Ouellette is active in his church, a 3rd degree Knights of Columbus, Meals on Wheels volunteer and has been active in intercommunity sports for adults. He also organizes an annual non-denominational Veteran's Memorial Service.
