Pete Leaness (1971) - Hall of Fame

Pete Leaness

Induction:
1971
Class:
1929

Regarded as the dean of American collegiate coaches, Pete Leaness compiled a record of 245 victories, 97 losses and 36 ties during an outstanding 41 year career as Temple’s soccer coach. Named the Owls coach in 1930 after his graduation from the Temple School of Chiropody, he developed 36 all-Americans over the years. He led his 1951 and 1953 teams to national championships. Temple’s 1966, 1967 and 1968 teams earned NCAA post-season playoff bids as the Owls were continually in the national spotlight under Leaness. As an undergraduate at Temple, Leaness was an outstanding athlete starring in baseball and soccer. He earned all-American honors in both sports as a senior in 1929. He had an opportunity to play professional baseball but decided to devote full time to the practice of chiropody and coaching soccer. Pete and his wife Claire have two grown children.