William J. Cleary’s association with Harvard University spanned six decades and included experiences as a student-athlete, coach and administrator. His Harvard career began as a program seller at Harvard Stadium, continued through his days as a standout player, his 19-year head coaching tenure and concluded with his 11-year term as the Nichols Family Director of Athletics.
Cleary is one of the greatest athletes to have ever played for Harvard, lettering in both baseball and ice hockey, and still holds or shares seven school records in hockey. He was a first-team All-America selection in 1954-55 when he helped the Crimson to the Beanpot title, a berth in the NCAA Frozen Four and a 17-3-1 record.
In 1956, Cleary was a member of the U.S. Olympic hockey team that captured a silver medal. Four years later, he was the top scorer for the U.S. team. In 1989, he was inducted into the United States Olympic Hall of Fame, which was followed by his selection as one of the “100 Golden Olympians” by the U.S. Olympic Committee in 1996.
As a coach, he posted a 324-201-22 record in 19 seasons and was the driving force in the creation of ECAC Hockey. In 1989, he guided the Crimson to a 31-3 record and the NCAA championship, the first NCAA team title in school history. Under Cleary, the Crimson claimed six ECAC Hockey Regular Season Championships and two ECAC Hockey Tournament titles. He was named ECAC Coach of the Year in 1988. For his efforts in the creation and growth of ECAC Hockey, the trophy that is given each year to the ECAC Regular Season Champion is now called the “Cleary Cup.” In 2002, Cleary was awarded the ECAC James Lynah Distinguished Achievement Award for his exemplary service as the Nichols Family Director of Athletics.