Kean University

William LaRusso was a two-sport athlete at Newark State Teacher's College, playing both baseball and basketball. A four-year member of both teams, his educational and athletic careers were briefly interrupted for a two-year stint in the United States Army, during which he earned the Distinguished Service Cross.

A co-captain of the baseball team his senior year, he batted .345 as the starting shortstop. LaRusso was also very active on campus as a member of the General Education Men's Guild for four years, including serving as vice-president during his senior year. He also was a member of the Newman Club, Nu Sigma Phi and Memoribilia, the yearbook staff.

LaRusso returned to Newark State in 1961, serving as the head men's basketball coach until 1964, where he coached several members of the school's first-ever conference championship squad. In 1974, the William LaRusso Sportsmanship Award was created to recognize his outstanding accomplishments and dedication to this institution.

LaRusso graduated from Newark State in 1956 with a bachelor's degree in General Elementary Education. Prior to his death in 1973, he was a principal in the Hawthorne School District.