For 48 years, William “Bill” Robertson—known to generations of Yorktown High School athletes simply as “Coachie”—was far more than a teacher and coach. He was a strong role model and mentor who challenged young athletes to work harder, persevere, believe in themselves, and become better individuals, both in competition and in life.

Bill passed away on August 22, 2026, just one day shy of his 92nd birthday. The Bill Robertson “Coachie” Award Fund was created to honor his extraordinary legacy at Yorktown High School and help ensure that the values he spent a lifetime teaching continue to inspire future generations of student-athletes.

Bill taught Physical Education for 37 years, and coached Soccer, Ski Racing, Track, Football, Swimming, and Lacrosse during his 48 years at Yorktown High School. He was fiercely competitive, and won countless Divisional, League and State Championships: 35+ Skiing Division Championships, 25 Skiing League & Sectional Championships, 21+ Girls Soccer League Championships, nearly 20 Girls Soccer Sectional Championships, 5 Boys Soccer League Championships, and 2 Boys Soccer Sectional Championships.

He helped more athletes advance to Divisional, League and State competitions than any other school at the time. But perhaps his most enduring contribution was to ski racing. In 1972, Bill helped establish Section 1 Skiing—becoming the President of Section 1 Skiing and the Section 1 Coordinator for all the teams for 34 years—laying the foundation for a program that continues more than 50 years later.

Yet Bill’s legacy was never simply about championships or wins.

He believed in hard work, self-discipline, dedication, perseverance, practice, and giving your best. He devoted so much of his life teaching and coaching, and pushed his students and athletes, because he believed deeply in what they could become. Decades later, former students and players still speak about the lessons Coachie taught them and the lasting difference he made in their lives.

Today, Wendy Nufer—a former varsity ski racer and soccer player under Bill, his assistant coach for 12 years, and now the varsity team’s coach—continues to carry his legacy forward through the annual Bill Robertson “Coachie” Award. Traditionally a plaque has been awarded to a YHS senior who embodies the character, determination, work ethic, and love of sport Bill valued most. This fund will build upon that tradition by adding a meaningful monetary award for each year’s recipient—helping Coachie’s legacy continue to inspire and support Yorktown student-athletes for years to come.

A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life.

Bill changed many.

Please consider making a contribution in his memory. Every gift, of any size, will help keep Coachie’s legacy alive and recognize young athletes who represent the values he spent over 30 years teaching.

Note: donations are not tax deductible.

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HIGHLIGHTS OF BILLS’ ACCOMPLISHMENTS

TEACHING = 37 years

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COACHING = 52 years

Seaford HS (1963-1967)

Yorktown HS (1967-2015)

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COACHING RECORD

Boys Soccer

Girls Soccer

B & G Skiing

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EDUCATION & LIFEGUARDING