North Carolina Central University Athletics

William A. "Gus" Gaines entered North Carolina College in 1940. In 1941 and 1942 he earned AII-CIAA and Negro AII-American honors at tackle. In 1943 as an enlisted Army reservist he was named the Third Army's Most Valuable Player as a member of the Camp Pickett Warriors Special Services football and basketball team. He returned to-NCC in 1944, but played no more football. The sport was discontinued during the war years. In 1945, Gaines became director of athletics and head football and basketball coach at Fayetteville State. His tenure there was from 1945 to 1957, and included three conference football championships and five basketball championships (EIAC). Since 1957, except for a one-year return to Fayetteville State, he has been involved in youth services, rehabilitation, and corrections. He is currently superintendent of a New York State correctional facility.

(bio from program at the time of induction)