West Liberty University Athletics

    Stephen “Whitey” Magyar began his Hilltopper career in 1946 after serving his country during World War II. Before entering the service, Magyar had earned All-Ohio honors as a two-way standout at Shadyside (Ohio) High School. Due to the war, West Liberty had put its football program on hold for three years (1943-45) but Magyar and his teammates found immediate success when they started it back up under legendary head coach Joe Bartell.
    The Hilltoppers dropped their first two games but closed with seven straight wins for a 7-2 mark. Magyar broke into the starting lineup at guard early on and held that spot for the rest of his time on the hilltop. That 1946 team marked the start of something big for West Liberty football as the Hilltoppers lost only one more game over the next three seasons. Magyar and his fellow seniors closed out their careers on a high note with a 20-0 shutout of Western Carolina at the 1949 Smokey Mountain Bowl.
    After graduating from West Liberty, Magyar returned to his high school alma mater as a highly-successful teacher and coach. He led the Tigers to their first three undefeated seasons and wound up coaching and teaching at Shadyside for 39 years.