Hall of Fame
Jim McCullough is considered one of the greatest coaches in the history of Thiel College Athletics. He assumed the responsibilities of athletic director and head coach of both the football and golf teams in 1966. It was his first-ever head coaching position at the college level and was the beginning of a great era in Thiel College Athletics. Winning was synonymous to Thiel and McCullough enthusiastically led the way.
In his initial season as head football coach, the team posted a 3-4-1 record. Over the next three seasons, the Tomcats roared onto victory posting a combined record of 19-5. For the next 12 years, he led the Tomcats to a 54-42-5 record. Under Coach McCullough, the Tomcats won two conference championships. It was in his second year (1967) when he guided the Tomcats to their first-ever conference championship. Their second conference championship was won in 1972.
His success carried over into the spring and onto the links as he guided the men’s golf teams to a 109-56-3 record over his 12 years. His teams won five conference championships (1970, 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1975). He coached four individuals who received MVP honors.
McCullough received the PAC Coach of the Year honors for football in 1967 and 1972, following his two conference titles. The Pittsburgh Curbstone Coaches voted McCullough as the 1967 Small College Coach of the Year in the Tri-State area. He also served as chairman for the PAC Athletics Directors’ Council.
