William F. McLellan (1998) - Hall of Fame - Brown University Athletics

William F. McLellan

Induction:
1998
Class:
1949

William F. McLellan '49
Hometown: Greenfield, MA
Sport: Football
Year Inducted: 1998

Bill McLellan, a Greenfield, MA native, was a two-way starter at offensive and defensive tackle for the Bears' football team, helping the Bears to a 7-2 record in 1948, and laying the groundwork for the powerful team in 1949. The six-foot 240-pounder at the time, teamed with Bucky Walters to form a devastating defensive duo in the trenches, playing practically the entire game for Coach Engle. McLellan, whose size and quickness set him apart, also played alongside Hall of Fame members Milton Hodosh and Donald Colo on the defensive line in '48. Bill was a varsity letterwinner in '46, '47, and '48, earning All New England First team honors in 1946 and 1948. He was also selected Associated Press Honorable Mention All-East and All New England Second Team in 1947. In 1948, after his senior season, Bill was invited to play in the prestigious Blue-Gray game played annually on Christmas Day in Montgomery, Alabama. Prior to Brown, Bill was a co-captain of the Greenfield High School team. The former Marine Corps captain served his country as one of the original crew members on the U.S.S. Missouri, witnessing the signing of the Japanese surrender to the Allied Forces on Sept. 2, 1945. Bill would also serve in the Marine Corps Reserve in the Korean conflict. Bill worked for Amica Mutual Insurance Company from 1951 until his retirement in 1989. During his tenure on the Bears team, McLellan dominated both lines of scrimmage, earning a reputation as one of the best linemen in the Northeast. Bill passed away on March 19, 1995. He is survived by his wife, Nancy McLellan, and his four daughters; Kathleen, Maureen, Martha, and Jane.