Hackley Standout Running Back Satisfied with Success on Gridiron

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William Waterhouse reflects on his football career at Hackley. — Photo by Suzy Allman

October 31, 2017

by Tom Pedulla –

Top running back William Waterhouse could not have embraced the student-athlete role more seriously than he did during his time at Hackley. He is so earnest about his studies that he likely has taken his last handoff.

When Simon Berk, Hackley’s second-year coach, was asked about the senior’s college football prospects, he replied, “He certainly has the talent and ability. But after speaking to him and his family, it’s not something he’s interested in pursuing.”

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Waterhouse’s decision is uncommon, to say the least, for a running back with his production. Through the first six games of his final season, he averaged more than nine yards per carry with 90 rushing attempts for 864 yards and a team-leading 12 touchdowns. He totaled 681 yards on the ground with 12 touchdowns as a junior.

“He’s willing to go between the tackles and finish runs strong, but he’s certainly dynamic in the open field,” Berk said. “He’s one of the leading rushers in the Hudson Valley.”

Few players possess the ability to change the complexion of a game the way Waterhouse can. On his first handoff as a junior, he dashed 50 yards. Although the play was designed as an inside dive that typically produces short yardage, his peripheral vision and speed led him to bounce it outside. He later scampered 90 yards for a touchdown versus Woodlands. This year, he raced 85 yards in sparking a convincing victory against Morristown-Beard of Morristown, New Jersey.

“Whenever you have a run like that, the whole momentum of the game just shifts,” Waterhouse said. “The offensive line starts playing better. Everyone starts playing stronger and harder.”

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