H. Gibbons Young (Gibby) class of 1938, a native of Virginia attended Bluefield High School before graduating from Virginia Episcopal High School in Lynchburg.
Gibby entered Washington College in 1934-and became one of the most colorful athletes to represent Washington College in athletics. In football he was an outstanding quarterback for four years. In a game with Johns Hopkins in 1934, Gibby received a punt behind his own goal posts and returned the ball 102 yards for a touchdown, one of several spectacular punt returns he engineered during his gridiron career. He was so versatile, he was called upon to do all the passing and often was the punter. For his superior efforts, he was selected on the All Maryland football team in 1938.
Young achieved his greatest individual athletic triumphs in track and field events. Some of his records still stand. His best time in the 100 yard dash was 9.6 seconds and he accomplished a 70 yard dash in 7 seconds flat. In most meets, he performed in the 100 and 220 yard dashes, high and low hurdles, hop, step and jump, and occasionally pole vaulting. He won as many as seven first places during the course of a meet. In the 1937 South Atlantic Conference meet he ran the 100 and 220 yard dashes, the 120 and 220 hurdles, winning all four events and he was voted the meet’s outstanding athlete.
In 1938, Gibby became a coach at Elkton High School for three years before entering Military service in World War II. He was discharged from the Marine Corps with the rank of Major following his tour of duty. He then became greens keeper and golf instructor at the Newark Country Club and participated in several professional golf tournaments. Later, he established the real estate and insurance firm of H. G. Young Associates, Inc.
Gibby, now retired, spends his time fishing, particularly for marlin and plays some tennis. But his particular joy remains golf, which he plays often and with a low handicap. By his own admission he feels that his greatest contribution is as a teacher of golf.
We are proud to include H. Gibbons Young as member of the Washington College Athletic Hall of Fame.
