Hall of Fame
Tom Bland starred in football and basketball at West Liberty from 1958-61 before embarking on a lengthy pro football career that led to a berth in the Minor League Football Hall of Fame. After graduating from WLSC in 1961, the speedy wide receiver immediately hooked on with the legendary Wheeling Ironmen of the United Football League. An integral part of the Ironmen offense, Bland was voted Team MVP following the 1963 season.
Two years later, Bland moved on to the UFL's Fort Wayne (Ind.) Warriors, earning yet another Team MVP Award as the leading receiver in the UFL. Bland's pro football journey took him south to Orlando, Fla. the following year when he was named player/coach for the Orlando Panthers of the Continental Football League. He was a 4-time All-CFL selection in Orlando Panthers and a 2-time Team MVP.
That earned Tom a shot at the Canadian Football League, as he was signed by the Toronto Argonauts. The former Hilltopper made a big splash north of the border, being selected as the CFL's 1971 Import Rookie of the Year. After hanging up his cleats for the final time, Bland returned to Florida and made his home in the Orlando area. He served as a teacher and football coach at several high schools before moving on to become a highly-successful businessman in Orlando.
