Ken Orris

2008 Inductee

Mr. Ken Orris was born in McKeesport, PA. He graduated high school in 1964 and attended Edinboro State College earning a B.S. Degree in Secondary English in 1968. He was then hired by Union City School District.

In 1969 he became the head coach of the Boys Basketball program and maintained that position for the next 34 years. During that period he won 3 District 10 Titles and 4 FCVC Titles. He coached numerous playoff teams and had two State Quarter-Finalist teams in 1970 and 1974. He has coached 50 all-conference players with 3 of them claiming all-state honors. During his storied career Coach Orris accumulated 417 victories.

Mr. Orris was also an outstanding teaching in the classroom. He created and implemented a new class called Outdoor English. It was a class in which the natural and wildlife species of Pennsylvania were incorporated in the classroom for his students to see and write about. Many students left Mr. Orris' class with a better appreciation of wildlife, hunting, fishing, and how conservation can help preserve our state's resources. His efforts in his Outdoor English class earned him recognition around the area as many school districts tried to incorporate the same course within their own curriculums. His Outdoor English class also helped him earn the Pennsylvania Conservation Teacher of the Year Award.

His efforts in and out of the classroom earned Mr. Orris the nickname of "The Dean" for his wealth of knowledge of teaching and coaching. Mr. Orris was an inspiration to his students and athletes here at Union City. He now enjoys his retirement hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family.