By By SCOTT NOVAK / Niles Daily Star
Former Dowagiac standout Bill Deering has been inducted into the University of Miami Hall of Fame.
Deering, a 1989 Dowagiac Union High School graduate, was inducted along with Jessie Armstead, Janet Haas, Calvin James, Jack Johnson, Cortez Kennedy, Ferne Labati, Danny Miller, Jim Morris and Dean Panaro, at the 36th annual induction banquet on April 20.
Deering graduated from the University of Miami with a BBA in Marketing in 1994.
He is currently living in Niles with his fiance Kim where he has been Athletic Director of the Boys &Girls Club of Marshall County in Plymouth, Ind. since 2000.
Deering is a five-time Big East Conference pole vault champion and a two-time NCAA All-American. Deering twice was an Olympic Trials finalist.
In high school he followed his father Bill as a state champion in 1989. His father was a two-time state champion. His brother Matt was a state champion pole vaulter as well.
Here is a complete list of Deering's accomplishments:
1989: Michigan High School Indoor State Champion
1989: Michigan High School Outdoor State Champion
1989: Michigan High School Outdoor State Record (16-0.5)
1989: Midwest Meet of Champions Winner (16-0.5)
1989: Midwest Meet of Champions "Star of Stars"
1989 AAU Junior Olympics National Champion, San Antonio (16-6)
1990: TAC (The Athletics Congress) Junior National Champion, Fresno, Calif. (17-1)
1992: USA Olympic Trials Finalist, New Orleans
1992: Big East Conference Indoor Championships "Outstanding Field Performer" Award
1992: Big East Conference Outdoor Championships "Outstanding Field Performer" Award
1993: Big East Conference Indoor Championships "Outstanding Field Performer" Award
1993: Millrose Games Champion, New York (18-0.5)
1994: NCAA Outdoor Nationals Silver Medal, Boise, Idaho (18-8.25)
1995: Pan Am Games Silver Medal, Mar Del Plata, Argentina (18-4.75)
1995: USA vs. Great Britain Silver Medal, New Castle, England (18-4.25)
1996: USA Olympic Trials Finalist, Atlanta, Ga.
1997: USA Indoor Nationals Silver Medal, Atlanta, Ga. (19-0.25)
1997: World Indoor Championships Finalist, Paris, France
1998: Goodwill Games Fourth Place, Long Island, N.Y. (18-8.25)
University of Miami Indoor Record Holder (18-0.5)
University of Miami Outdoor Record Holder (18-8.25)
Two-time University of Miami Track &Field MVP
Two-time NCAA All-American
Five-time Big East Conference Champion (3 Indoor, 2 Outdoor)
Big East Conference Championships Indoor Record Holder (18-1)
Big East Conference Championships Outdoor Record Holder (17-7)