Pullman CC names Gaskins for Walk of Fame sports honor

Bill Gaskins, Jr., who came to Pullman 50 years ago to play football for the WSU Cougars, has been named this year’s famous sports figure for induction into the Pullman Walk of Fame. He and other honorees will be honored during the National Lentil Festival, at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the corner of Kamiaken and Main.

The Walk of Fame was established in 2003 to honor individuals who have served the Pullman community in a significant way, promoted goodwill, improved the quality of life for Pullman residents.

Gaskins came to WSU from Spokane’s Lewis & Clark High School in 1962 and completed a pharmacy degree in 1969. He played football one season for Coach Jim Sutherland and two for Bert Clark. In addition to starring at cornerback, he also saw duty as a kick return specialist and occasionally as a running back. He had seven career interceptions, including five as a senior.

Post season honors included being named to the United Press International and Newspaper Enterprise Association All-America second teams, along with earning All-West Coast recognition from Associated Press and the Pac-8 Conference coaches. He received the WSU Bohler Award, given annually to a Cougar team member who exhibits the inspiration of former WSU Athletic Director J. Fred Bohler. Bill also was a hurdler on the WSU track team. Following his collegiate career, he spent two years with the Calgary Stampeders in the Canadian Football League.

Gaskins was hired as pharmacy manager at Pullman Memorial Hospital in 1970 and promoted to director of pharmacy, which he held at the new Pullman Regional Hospital until 2010. He also served as an instructor of clinical pharmacy at WSU, 1970-2009.

He was a longtime Pac-10 football official and WSU track starter, Pullman City Council member, 1977-1981, and Pullman Rotary Club president, 1984-1985.