William E. (Hooker) Foley was a pivotal part of successful Cheverus High athletic folklore 50 years ago, especially during his 1929-30 senior season when he captained three teams.
He led the Fighting Irish clubs in football, basketball and baseball that season.
In fact, Foley batted .393 to boost the Cheverians to a share of the Telegram League title.
This sharp-fielding shortstop always topped .300 in a baseball career extending through the Portland Twilight League.
He made the neat hitting conversion in fastpitch softball.
Daring baserunner Foley termed baseball his favorite sport because, he said, it takes more ability.
Foley captained the Fighting Irish (Stags became the official school nickname about 30 years later), to the school's first ever state title, a distinction soon withdrawn because of use of an ineligible player.
Foley was named the state tourney’s most valuable player for scoring 41 points in three games after leading all area scorers during the season. He was among the State's most respected basketball referees in a 20-year officiating stint.
In football, his speed was well-suited to quarterback. In 1929 Foley led Cheverus to a sparkling 7-1-1 mark, including a surprising 12-12 deadlock with mighty Portland.
These were the only two touchdowns Portland yielded that season. Foley was a prominent factor in both scoring drives.
Foley, who could hit the long ball and was feared as a clutch hitter, played under legendary Cheverus coach Walter Mulvihill.
said Foley, “Of course, Walter Mulvihill was Our guiding light. He instilled in. us the will to overcome obstacles and win.
He was to Cheverus what Knute Rockne was to Notre Dame.”
And three-sport star Foley was Mulvihill's central character in stellar seasons of the late 1920s.
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