Temple University Athletics
Former Temple and USA Soccer Great Walter Bahr Passes Away
6.18.18 | Men's Soccer
PHILADELPHIA – Temple University mourns the passing of one of its all-time great men's soccer players Walter Bahr, who passed away today at the age of 91.
"Temple has had many iconic figures in the world of sport wear the Cherry and White, but none greater in their field of endeavor than Walter Bahr," said Temple Director of Athletics Dr. Patrick Kraft. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time."
Mr. Bahr played for the Owls for three seasons, earning All-America status as a center halfback for Temple in 1944. He would later return to serve as the program's head coach from 1971 through 1974. During that three-year period, Mr. Bahr guided the Owls to a 20-12-10 overall record with his final squad, the 1973 team, earning a berth in the NCAA Tournament with an 8-2-5 record.
He is known far more for his accomplishments on the world stage.
Mr. Bahr was a member of the U.S. National Team from 1948 through 1957, and served as the captain of the team for 11 of his 19 international matches. He is best known for assisting on the game-winning goal against England (1-0) in the 1950 World Cup in Brazil. The film and novel, The Game of Their Lives, is based upon the upset win. Mr. Bahr was the last living member of the 1950 USA team.
Mr. Bahr, who also served as the head coach at Penn State, played professionally for 20 years. He was a member of the 1954 and 1958 USA World Cup teams. He played in six American League Championships and four U.S. Challenge Cup Finals.
He was inducted into Temple Athletics Hall of Fame's second class in 1971 along with his coach Dr. Pete Leaness. Both were later inducted into the NSCAA Hall of Fame.
Mr. Bahr is survived by his wife of 71 years, Davies, four children, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
"Temple has had many iconic figures in the world of sport wear the Cherry and White, but none greater in their field of endeavor than Walter Bahr," said Temple Director of Athletics Dr. Patrick Kraft. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time."
Mr. Bahr played for the Owls for three seasons, earning All-America status as a center halfback for Temple in 1944. He would later return to serve as the program's head coach from 1971 through 1974. During that three-year period, Mr. Bahr guided the Owls to a 20-12-10 overall record with his final squad, the 1973 team, earning a berth in the NCAA Tournament with an 8-2-5 record.
He is known far more for his accomplishments on the world stage.
Mr. Bahr was a member of the U.S. National Team from 1948 through 1957, and served as the captain of the team for 11 of his 19 international matches. He is best known for assisting on the game-winning goal against England (1-0) in the 1950 World Cup in Brazil. The film and novel, The Game of Their Lives, is based upon the upset win. Mr. Bahr was the last living member of the 1950 USA team.
Mr. Bahr, who also served as the head coach at Penn State, played professionally for 20 years. He was a member of the 1954 and 1958 USA World Cup teams. He played in six American League Championships and four U.S. Challenge Cup Finals.
He was inducted into Temple Athletics Hall of Fame's second class in 1971 along with his coach Dr. Pete Leaness. Both were later inducted into the NSCAA Hall of Fame.
Mr. Bahr is survived by his wife of 71 years, Davies, four children, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
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