As the 2025 school year draws to a close, the senior class will end their career at Canton Central in lock step with a beloved coach, teacher, mentor, and director of athletics.
Bill Porter’s tenure as a gym teacher and coach, has spanned more than three decades at Canton Central, and he has led as Athletic Director for 20 years. He has left an impression on countless fellow coaches, athletes, parents, and others who have made Golden Bear athletics part of their lives. He built a legacy of calm leadership, simplistic wisdom, and love of competition that will continue to guide Canton athletics into its next chapter.
Comments from dozens of parents, coaches and current and former athletes have poured in over recent weeks. Many who felt compelled to write in surely struggled to choose which story or piece of advice they wanted to share, as Porter has left them with so many.
As a coach at Canton Central, I have benefitted from Bill’s leadership immensely. What strikes me most is the trust he puts in his coaches to make decisions. While always happy to listen and offer advice when asked, Bill allows student athletes and coaches the agency they need to confidently move forward while knowing they have his unwavering support. He does not direct, he guides.
I’m not alone in recognizing these qualities.
“Bill trusted me to coach his children, and he allowed me to be myself while doing it,” said Head Basketball Coach Troy Lassial said in a long homage to his mentor. “The success we have had in basketball is because of Bill’s dedication to our students, his ability to get the best out of the people around him, and his selfless nature.”
“I remember him telling me at the beginning of my career to keep powering on when dealing with the challenges of teaching in the middle school,” said Coach and Teacher Carla Wentworth. “He wears many hats at CCS and always has time to lend an ear to listen when needed. He has been a part of so many young lives the numbers are staggering and he still recalls almost every single student and athlete.”
As a student at Canton Central, I recall fond memories of Coach Porter’s enthusiasm and welcoming presence in his classes. I never had the opportunity to play for Bill as an athlete, but the accounts of his coaching style offer a glimpse at a patient and supportive coach who pushed athletes not with volume or stern energy, but as a teacher and affirmative, supportive guide. Those who have learned under his leadership have benefitted on and off the playing surface.
“I’m glad that he helped me on my form and understand the rules for my first year of football,” said John Gidney ‘26. “Along with what it means to be kind.”
“I would like to thank Coach Porter for being someone who always believed in me,” said Talan Green ‘24. “He always said that one of my best qualities was how coachable I was, which wouldn’t have meant anything if it wasn’t for someone like him guiding me. He challenged me, believed in me, and helped shape not just that athlete I became, but the person I became too.”
These anecdotes are a small sample of what those in Bill’s orbit had to say about him as his career draws to a close. Everyone had something different to add, but the theme remained the same: calm, cool, collected kindness, and unwavering support for athletes and coaches alike.
The time and energy Bill has poured into Canton Athletics will have a lasting impact well beyond his final days at the helm. Those who have benefitted from his guidance will carry his lessons to the field for years to come.
Thank you, Bill, for demonstrating your love for our school community through your steady devotion. Go Bears!
Coach Troy Lassial
I have had the fortune to be on the bench with Bill for the last 12 basketball seasons. It has been a wonderful learning experience for me. Bill has been a mentor, sounding board, voice of reason, idea generator, and buffer for me throughout that time. Most importantly, he has been a friend. Bill has been with me and there for me in so many ways. I will forever cherish his calming demeanor, his ability to listen, and his never ending positivity. Luckily I still have more time with him as he has promised to continue to coach basketball until my youngest son graduates, but I know there will come a time when I will miss our talks on long bus rides, staying in the same hotel rooms, and random phone calls about hoops, gym availability, and game strategy.
I would like to share a story that sums up our relationship pretty well. Bill is not known for using his administrative position at CCS with our coaches except for this one time. We were playing in Malone, and we weren’t playing particularly well. As usual, I was not handling it well on the bench. Bill did his best to keep my head in the game as I was already planning the post-game talk. We ended up losing, and after we go through the handshake line Bill and I are walking down to the locker room at which point he says “I know you are upset, and I don’t often do this, but as the AD I am saying we are stopping for dinner because I am hungry.” I began to laugh because he knew I wanted to go straight home after the game. This has been a recurring theme on our long bus trips throughout the years.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Bill for entrusting me to take over the basketball program which he and Kate put countless hours and effort into. Bill trusted me to coach his children, and he allowed me to be myself while doing it. The success we have had in basketball is because of Bill’s dedication to our students, his ability to get the best out of the people around him, and his selfless nature. I frequently get calls asking how Bill does his job so well. His ability to communicate with all of the coaches, and manage the largest Athletic Department in our section proves his ability to work with people. I don’t think people really understand the amount of work he puts into his position. Bill is a well respected teacher in our district, coaches all 3 seasons, provides off-season opportunities during the summer, doubles as a tech guy, groundskeeper, DJ, scoreboard operator, activities scheduler, fundraiser, assistant coach, site administrator, and more I am forgetting while being a son, brother, father, and husband. I can honestly say we have been spoiled to have an Athletic Director for so many years that is a service first person, and cares about each and every student in our school. Canton is a better place because of how dedicated Bill has been to our village, our school, his colleagues, our Athletic Department, and our students. I would wish him the best in his retirement, but I know he is just going to fill his new found time with the next thing he wants to do. Thank you Bill for everything you have done for all of us. We are forever grateful for your leadership.
Coach Anthony Levato
I heard once that as a leader you should be a lighthouse. Steady, guiding, calm and always there to help others along. To me, Bill epitomizes this idea. He lives it every day at CCS with an infectious energy that makes others feel better about themselves. While cultivating a great culture for our athletics Bill has had many successes on and off the playing field. But, what inspires me most is how he constantly provides clarity and steadiness in the face of seemingly constant chaos. Where most of us might burn out Bill remembers his “why” and continues to have an incredible impact on so many young lives. I remember back to middle school Olympics as a kid and seeing a gym teacher that was flying around the gym with so much enthusiasm. Mr. Porter had my entire grade fired up and still may have had the biggest smile in the gym. The success that Golden Bear Athletics has had during his tenure as Athletic Director is no surprise to me. I can’t begin to thank Bill enough and I wish him nothing but the best in what is a very well earned retirement!
Coach Carla Wentworth
So many things I can say about Bill over my last 21 years at Canton. He was my mentor as I began my career in the middle school and was always quick to make jokes with the kids to get them thinking and make them laugh. He used humor to corral their wild side and kept them wondering what was next when they constantly kept asking what the game was for the day.
He’d reply something odd like today we’re working on “under fire prevention” or “tiddlywinks with manhole covers!” It was great to see the puzzled look on their faces trying to figure that one out. He loved inventing new games and seeing how the teenage brain worked in creative ways. His health conscious ways have helped inspire many young athletes and he invests so much into ccs by coaching three sports since he is a huge fan of playing all 3 seasons. I remember him telling me at the beginning of my career to keep powering on when dealing with the challenges of teaching in the middle school. He wears many hats at ccs and always has time to lend an ear to listen when needed. He has been a part of so many young lives the numbers are staggering and he still recalls almost every single student and athlete. Time will March on but the memories and stories will remain forever. Good luck commander as you go forward with some time in the woods off the grid, you deserve it.
Coach Jeff Meyers
When a new athletic director is chosen, their leadership, kindness, class and commitment influences all coaches and athletes they interact with for life. The commitment to class and kindness in athletics was Mr. Porter’s vision from day one. The effects from the pee-wee’s to varsity sports speak directly to Bill’s commitment to his athletes and coaches. He is one of the most patient and kind people I’ve had the pleasure of working with. He has an innate ability to make kids believe in themselves, take risks and grow into upstanding young adults. His role will be impossible to fill. But what we might be able to do is re-create him in the aggregate. 🙂
Coach Rico Dobbs ‘17
As I reflect on my journey, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for everything you’ve done for me. You’ve been more than just a coach or an athletic director; you’ve been a father figure, a mentor, and a constant source of guidance in my life.
You’ve always been someone I could turn to for advice, whether it was about sports, life, or personal struggles. Your wisdom and your unwavering support have shaped me in ways I can’t fully put into words. Through your example, I’ve learned what it means to be a true man — to have integrity, dedication, and a heart that always looks out for others. You’ve shown me the value of hard work, humility, and the importance of making an impact on people’s lives.
It was because of your leadership and the influence you had on me that I decided to pursue a degree in sports management. Watching the way you connected with people, inspired others, and left a lasting mark on everyone around you made me want to do the same. You’ve proven that sports are not just about the games, but about building character and fostering a community.
After losing two sets of parents before the age of 10, god placed you in my life to show me how to overcome adversity, fight through tough times and the true meaning of what it means to be a man. I can truly say that I wouldn’t be where I am today without your guidance and support. You’ve made an indelible mark on my life, and for that, I will always be thankful.
Coach Jarrod Flener
I started working at Canton Central in 2015. Fast forward to 2018. I had gotten to know Bill pretty good but not good enough to know when he was joking or serious. Ha. One day we were talking sports like we usually do, me being one of three maintenance guys at school and having to take care of the fields and all that good stuff. Anyways, we were talking sports and how I tend to favor the sports side of my job and how I played sports in High School and in college. And then he asked me if I was interested in coaching. In particular boys modified basketball. They were looking for a coach and no had reached out yet. I said I think it’d be cool to do I’m just not sure how good I’d be. I’ve never coached. And playing and coaching are very different. Haha. He said ‘I think you’d be great at that level.’ And he left me to think about it. I didn’t know if he was joking or serious. Two weeks later he comes up to me in the hall. ‘So have you thought about coaching? We still don’t have anyone interested.’ I guess he was serious. Again, I let him know that I was pretty nervous, I had never coached. He told me he has the best guy to assist me this year. Art Quackenbush!! While we were chatting, the things I still remember are him telling me that I’d be great because ‘modified is about keeping them interested and having fun. And that’s you. That’s your personality. And when they get to JV they have a little less fun.’ Haha. I coached boys modified basketball for 5 years after that conversation. Only to step away for personal reasons and took a year off. I didn’t get the coaching job back for basketball, yet, but I did get the job for JV Boys Soccer. Which is more my forte anyways. And most importantly out of all of this mumbled up story there is one phrase he said to me that has followed me every year since that and still today with JV boys soccer.
“Just remember, they don’t know what you don’t know.” He absolutely right. Haha. They don’t know. All they know is that I played in high school and college. Coach them as I please.
And that’s my story of one of the first serious interactions with Bill and we’ve been texting and calling each other ever since about what games are happening today and bus departure times and if a game is rained out or still happening and so on. I will definitely miss seeing him every day. But he’s ready to be in the Adirondacks somewhere for a weekend or week. I’m grateful for him for allowing me the opportunity to become and coach and giving me that nudge to do so.
Coach Kris Boettcher
I have been coaching XC and Track and Field at various schools since 2011. Since coming to Canton in 2016 Bill has been the most supportive AD of our running programs that I have ever encountered. Where other schools teams have to fundraise in order to get uniforms, trips to invites or States Bill always made sure we were equal in our budget with the other teams at Canton and received all of these things through funds. In addition he not only followed the results of our runners but he also attended our home meets and sectional championships. He helped create an environment of hard work, school pride and most of all he cared deeply about our athletes. I will truly miss him as the head of the athletics department, but he has most certainly earned his retirement and has left an incredible legacy.
Best wishes, we are truly grateful for all you have done!
Coach Chad Kenna
I can’t think of a person who’s represented and given more to a school than Bill. Your influence on those you’ve been around will last decades. You’ve been an amazing role model / mentor for so many, I am glad to call you a friend.
Travis Jordan ‘11
Mr. Porter was one of my favorite teachers I had at Canton. He was always so dedicated to the betterment of Canton athletics by being personable and friendly. An all-around genuine guy with a passion for sports, one that I to strive to be like in my future. Thank you Mr. Porter for all your hard work and dedication to the school that we all love so much. GO BEARS.
Emily Pinckney ‘14
One of my most memorable quotes from Bill Porter is from the Houli Camp days when he would tell all of us young players and coaches “Practice makes permanent” rather than “Practice makes perfect”. That has always stuck with me as I grew up as a player and now a coach. And who could forget about the exciting chance at the money shots at camp?! Bill is a pillar for all of CCS athletics and the Canton community. I wish him all the best in his retirement, it is much deserved!
Trey Grant ‘16
There’s something about the way Bill Porter carries himself that stays with you.
It’s not loud. Not performative. He doesn’t posture or play a part. He doesn’t have to. Because Bill already is the thing most men are trying to fake. He shows up. He does the work. He holds his word. He knows who he is, and more importantly, he’s done the hard work of becoming that man.
Bill Porter’s strength isn’t the kind you find in a gym mirror or in a shouting match. It’s the kind that holds a house together. The kind that lifts burdens without asking for praise. It’s in his hands, yes, but it’s also in his presence. In the way he listens. In the way he takes his time. In the way he makes other people feel safe without saying a word.
He’s a man who chooses care over control. Provision over pride. You can tell he doesn’t give out effort cheaply, but when he does, it’s because it matters. He builds, repairs, gives—and never with resentment. Just with his quiet, reliable devotion.
Watching Coach Porter makes you believe that being a good man isn’t about dominance, it’s about devotion. It’s not about having power, it’s about what you do with it. And Bill always chooses to serve. He provides, protects, and prepares others for what’s ahead.
What sets Bill apart isn’t just his sense of duty, but that he serves with a calm that radiates, a centered kind of integrity that comes from knowing who he is. He’s a man who has clearly wrestled with life. Who’s probably fought his shadows and come out kind. Not perfect, not polished, but grounded. He’s good in a way that feels earned.
And in this world, that’s rare.
Even with all of the hats he wears, Mr. Porter doesn’t crowd a room with ego. He holds space. He doesn’t give advice to feel smart. He speaks when it matters, and it matters when he speaks. He works hard, and he lives with his heart. He makes the people around him better because he shows them that strength can be soft, that masculinity can be generous, and that love can be a skill as much as a feeling.
Bill Porter is the kind of man you hope to become—not because he’s above you, but because he walks ahead with humility. He’s a reminder that real masculinity doesn’t need to be loud to be loudly felt. That goodness, when disciplined, is a form of power. That showing up—consistently, quietly, lovingly—is a revolution all its own.
And those who get to witness it… carry a little more strength with them, too. For this, I am proud to call Bill my coach, confidant, and mentor. An archetype of the modern man.
Logan ‘27
When I first met coach porter , and how he had changed me into the man I am today
Olivia Francey ‘26
He is understanding and advocates for student requests in the athletic department
Gabby Pecola ‘29
When I was moving up to varsity swim, I had to do the shuttle run the day after the normal test. I went with Mr. Porter and he kept cheering me on when I was struggling. I ended up moving up because I passed that test and because of Mr. Porter.
Harper Terrell ‘27
Mr. Porter has always been so supportive to me about most everything. During this track season he has been very helpful with teaching me how to spin for the shot put and discus. He has offered helpful pointers and overall advice on my form. Mr. Porter has also been very supportive with my health this season, by helping me to adapt the training plan to fit my needs and abilities. Porter has been an amazing coach, AD, and person. I will forever be grateful for his attentiveness to all athletes and his coaching expertise. Thank you Mr. Porter!
Maeve Murphy ‘28
Thank you for coaching the track team! I’ve had a great time this season and learned a lot from you.
Salma Moumen ‘25
I just wanted to say thank you for everything you’ve done for me this past season. Your support during track and field made a huge difference—not just in my performance but also in how I approached the sport mentally and physically. Your encouragement pushed me to be better every day.
You’ve also been a great influence outside of track, especially in gym class and even in how I take care of myself. I still think about your advice to “eat one-ingredient foods,” and it’s helped me make smarter choices.
Thank you for being a coach, a teacher, and someone who genuinely looks out for us.
Daniel Richardson ‘26
Deposit into the bank of fitness
Devin ‘27
During football season when he would congratulate me the next day on the plays I did well in the game, I thank him for allowing me to join gym everyday and not get sick of me and how he never made anyone upset and how he made us be positive and told us how to talk and respect each other.
Paul Redfern ‘25
Summer power hours in the hot gym or sweaty weight room with the speaker blasting tunes are some of my fondest memories.
Kevin Bourdette ‘29
Thank you for providing all the equipment and all that you’ve done for Canton Central School.
John Gidney ‘26
I’m glad that he helped me on my form and understand the rules for my first year of football. Along with what it means to be kind
Tristen emby ‘28
He always said I could do better and supported me through everything
Shawn McCuen ‘26
Thank you Mr. Porter for being such an amazing and chill/laid back teacher who anyone and everyone can look to for help when they need.
Eric Barr ’97
I met Coach Porter my 10th grad spring track season. As a Casserly disciple I thought “I don’t know about this…” but over the next 3 years he challenged me and introduced me to new ways of approaching my sport. I know I wouldn’t have the success I had without Coach Porter.
Aaron Todd ’96
Bill Porter came to Canton when I was in high school and took over as coach of the boys spring track and field team from Golden Bear Hall of Fame Coach John Casserly, who would only be coaching the girls as Section X changed schedules and no longer had teams competing at the same sites on the same days.
When I first heard the news, I wasn’t thrilled. What was this former Gouverneur Wildcat going to bring to the table that I couldn’t get from Coach Casserly? I remarked to some of my teammates that I’d never call anyone other than Coach Casserly “Coach,” and for the first week or two when I addressed our team’s new leader, I called him “Mr. Porter.”
It didn’t take long, however, for him to win me over and earn the moniker “Coach.”
Coach Porter understood the special relationship we all had with Coach Casserly. He leaned on Coach Casserly for training plans, and he asked us for our opinions. Eventually, as we grew to trust him, we learned that Coach Porter had so much to offer us. He helped us refine our weight room routines, and he helped me learn how to dig deep to find that extra gear that often leads to breakthrough performances.
He came to us with no ego; he taught us to trust ourselves and to put our trust in our teammates. When we weren’t at our best, either on or off the track, he forced us to think about how we could be better the next time we were in the same spot. I’m a better man because Bill Porter was part of my high school experience.
When we moved back to the North Country, I felt so fortunate that Coach Porter would also be part of my children’s Canton experience. I’ve seen both of my sons grow immensely under his leadership during their experiences on the football field and the basketball court. (Here’s hoping he continues to coach the JV boys basketball team so that Brendan can play for him for the next two years!)
Beyond the wins and losses and the Xs and Os, Bill has built teams that lift each other up. He’s provided lessons in leadership and teambuilding that Golden Bear alumni have carried with them for decades to come. Some have carried those lessons to college sports teams. Many more have carried them into their careers, their families and their communities.
Over the last few years, I’ve gotten to know Bill much better as a parent and as a member of the Golden Bear Booster Club. I’ve always known he does a lot behind the scenes for Canton’s students (not just the student-athletes), but I don’t think anyone truly understands the full scope of his contributions to our community. Every decision he makes, and everything he does, is done in service to the kids who call Canton home — even the merger kids who may only call Canton home for one season.
Simply put, our community is immeasurably better for having Bill be part of it for the last 30+ years. Even if he is a former Gouverneur Wildcat.
Congratulations on your retirement, Coach Porter. And thanks for all that you’ve done for me, my family, and the greater Canton community.
Olivia Bourdette ‘27
He’s been a very encouraging track coach and great gym teacher.
Talan Green ‘24
I would like to thank Coach Porter for being someone who always believed in me. He always said that one of my best qualities was how coachable I was, which wouldn’t have meant anything if it wasn’t for someone like him guiding me. He challenged me, believed in me, and helped shape not just that athlete I became, but the person I became too. Thank you.
Trey Klassen ‘29
One of my favorite memories was in the summer last year we were playing at SLU and i was talking back and he snapped me out of it.
Cody Sipher ‘18
Coach, I have too many stories so I will keep this short and sweet.
One of the lessons you have instilled in me is having a “What’s Next” mentality. The idea being, to not let your emotions or external variables dictate your next decision. This was initially regarding a basketball game and not allowing the energy of the game to impact your execution. However, I have found this lesson applies to all aspects of life and has been something I have carried with me throughout college and now in my career. I am forever grateful for all you have done for myself and the canton community as a whole. Thank you Coach!
Kristen Whittier P’20, P’24
Thank you Bill Porter. Thank you for your unwavering support of Canton Golden Bear Athletics.
Back in 2013 there was a group of 12 6th grade girls who wanted to play modified volleyball. At that time Canton only had JV and varsity volleyball teams. Bill met with parents and the JV/varsity coaches and enthusiastically supported our endeavor to start a modified volleyball program in the Fall of 2014. That first modified volleyball team struggled in its first season, but as that cohort of girls moved up to varsity, as juniors, they won the Section X Volleyball Championship for the first time in 25 years – a title Canton has not lost since.
Bill’s time at Canton is full of these stories that define Canton Golden Bears Athletics. Bill created opportunities for all student athletes to participate in sports and therefore helped them build self-confidence, learn leadership skills, celebrate the wins, and persevere as a team. By creating opportunities through athletics, Bill has defined generations of Canton student-athletes. As a parent I could not be more grateful for Bill’s support and guidance throughout 10 years as a Golden Bear Mom.
Congratulations Bill on a well-deserved retirement, you will be missed. Go Bears!
The Whittier Family
Terry L White
Of all of Bill Porter’s fine qualities, the one that defines him is his even temper and calm nature. Student athletes and parents are drawn to him and the sports he coaches.
Brendan Todd ‘29
One memory of coach porter of mine is helping me with basketball and football. He’s one of the best coaches I’ve had and I hope he continues to coach basketball.
Sydney Allard ‘29
Thank you for always showing up to the modified volleyball games and being our biggest supporter.
Camryn Sipher ‘22
Mr. Porter has always had a positive impact on my athletic career. He pushes all his athletes to be their absolutely best and encourages everyone to be dual athletes throughout their high school years. I always remember him making it to a bunch of different sporting events and cheering on everyone that goes through Canton Central School!
Shelly Roiger
I’m not sure there’s any words that exist that can express my gratitude for one of the most influential men in my son’s lives. You have seen them through their successes and you’ve seen them through their failures and struggles and through it all, you have been a steadfast presence of support and guidance for them. Thank you for the countless hours of work that were above and beyond the call of duty. Thank you for the care and love you put into Bears Athletics when no one was looking. It’s no coincidence that Canton has experienced it’slevel of.auccess in Section X under your guidance. Thank you for all you have done for our children, our school, and our community. Forever grateful and wishing you the best in your retirement.
Justin Sipher (parent and coach)
Bill. While I’ve known you since high school, I’ve grown to respect you immensely more as we moved to Canton in 2012 and I had the privilege to be your assist coach in basketball and also help coaching lacrosse at Canton Central. In both cases I got to see you as a mentor and leader on many levels. I also got to appreciate you in a different capacity as you coached and mentored our children Cody and Camryn as they played for you and other coaches at CCS. I could not ask for a better experience for them than being a Golden Bear and your DNA is all over that. Thanks for everything! Justin Sipher
Maura Onyper ‘25
Mr. Porter wearing his sunhat that looks like a safari hat.
Avner Jacobs ‘30
One of my favorite memories I had with Mr Porter was when I shook his hand and gave him a hug when I was handing my gear for football Coach Porter has been my favorite coach.
