By: Ray Fisher

Sunday, October 20, 2024 | 11:01 AM

Previous



Next

Anyone who saw Willie Jordan play football or basketball during his time at Quaker Valley would say he was a natural.

Naturally.

Jordan’s versatility and talent in multiple sports made him a standout athlete during his high school playing career 40 years ago.

A 1985 graduate, Jordan will be inducted into the Quaker Valley Sports Hall of Fame on the Oct. 25-27 weekend along with three other former QV athletes, one current coach and two teams.

The 57-year-old Jordan now lives in Atlanta where he operates his business, Willow Tree Delivery. He was a bit surprised when he learned about his HOF induction.

“It’s remarkable; it was shocking to me,” Jordan said. “I didn’t know how to take it at first, but with each day that’s passed, it’s become a pretty impressive thing. I appreciate everyone for taking the time to put me in the hall.”

The 2024 HOF class consists of Jordan, 1992 graduate Dr. Rick Ruperto (football, basketball, track), 1982 graduate Bobby Farrington (basketball, track), 2013 graduate Spencer Caravaggio (tennis), current QV tennis coach Christi Hays, the 1968 football team and the 2002 girls track and field team.

A reception for the inductees will be held at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 25 prior to the Friday night football game at Chuck Knox Stadium. There will be a brief introduction of this year’s class between the first and second quarters.

The induction banquet will take place at 11 a.m. Oct. 27 at Sewickley Heights Golf Club.

Jordan’s football and basketball exploits are legendary. A quick burst of speed, spectacular run, timely jump shot or thunderous dunk could change a game in one play, and often did.

“Willie is one of the most athletic basketball and football players in Quaker Valley history,” said Mike Mastroianni, QV’s athletic director. “He combined tremendous athleticism with an extremely high skill set.

“Willie’s basketball skills were ahead of his time and anyone who had the opportunity to see him play would attest that he was fun to watch.”

Often praised for his leadership abilities, Jordan was a two-year letterman in football and helped spur the Quakers to a 15-7 record while playing for QV Hall of Fame coaches Sam LoFaso and Jerry Veshio.

In his senior year, Jordan led the team in total points as a wide receiver and running back. He was able to showcase his speed, strength and agility at the running back position.

He averaged more than six yards per carry that year and led the team in rushing touchdowns. He also started at safety.

But it was on the basketball court where Jordan really left his mark.

As a sophomore, Jordan started and averaged 11.5 points per game. He was QV’s leading scorer in his junior year, averaging 20 ppg and sparking the Quakers to a 20-win season and into the WPIAL and PIAA playoffs.

History repeated itself the following season with QV advancing to the WPIAL quarterfinal round. The Quakers, however, lost a heartbreaker in the PIAA playoffs when one of Jordan’s patented putback dunks was disallowed for an offensive foul.

That year, Jordan averaged a robust 25.6 ppg.

The QV hoopster twice was lauded as a first-team all-section selection and was named section MVP as a senior.

“I know there were a lot of great athletes at Quaker Valley before me,” Jordan said. “I actually think I’m the best athlete to ever play there.”

Beyond leading the team in most statistical categories during his storied high school career, Jordan’s name is a constant on the QV basketball all-time top 10 lists including single-season average (25.6), 20-plus point games (29) and 30-plus point games (5).

Jordan was only recently bumped from the top 10 in scoring in school history. He is 14th on the list of all-time scorers, a feat accomplished in only 60 games and without a 3-point line (which was added to Pennsylvania high school basketball in 1987-88).

His statistics are impressive, but to watch Jordan play, as Mastroianni so aptly noted, was to catch one of the all-time best to do so in a Quaker Valley uniform.

And yes, Jordan and QV had some notable rivalries during his playing days, particularly with schools such as Aliquippa and Beaver Falls. These matchups were always highly anticipated and often brought out the best in both teams.

One of the most intense rivalries was with Aliquippa, known for its strong football program. Games against Aliquippa were always competitive and drew large crowds, with both teams fighting hard for bragging rights.

Outside of football and basketball, the soon-to-be QV Hall of Famer enjoyed competing in track and field events. He was particularly fond of sprinting and the long jump.

“I had a lot of strong figures trying to help me out (in high school),” said Jordan, whose father Willie Sr. is 86 years old. “(Assistant coach) Ken Johns was always on me to compete in track. And he always told me to go home after practice and spend time with my mom.

“He thought more of me than just as an athlete. He was a pretty cool guy.”

Jordan’s sons Justice, 33, and Jassir, 26, are still area residents in Moon and Aliquippa, respectively.

Jordan’s 5-year-old daughter Willow lives with her dad in Georgia; Jordan’s delivery business was named after her.

“She’s my pride and joy,” he said. “The business is for my kids (in future years).”

Prior to making deliveries, Jordan ran a vending business for many years.

“I kind of like being my own boss,” he said.

Tags: Quaker Valley