Ponaganset High School Athletic Hall of Fame
Induction Class of 2014
Carl T. Buckley
Community Contributor 1969 - 2013
Carl Buckley is an important member of the Ponaganset High School community as well as the communities of Foster and Glocester. Born and raised in West Virginia as the fifth of nine children, Carl graduated from East Bank High School in 1954 and was a four-year starter for the basketball team. Upon graduating, he entered the United States Navy. While in the Navy, Carl played on the regimental basketball team, competing in many foreign countries, from Italy to France to Spain, Turkey and Greece. When Carl left the Navy in 1958, he entered West Virginia Tech and was a three-year starter on its basketball team.
Carl began his association with Ponaganset in the late 1960s and quickly became an important part of the town recreation departments, as well as the regional high school and middle school programs. Ever since, he has worked and volunteered tirelessly to give the students and young adults valuable experiences which they carry with them throughout their lives.
Carl’s recognition of and passion for the rewards and lifelong impact that athletics has on young people is infectious throughout the community. Coaches of all ages and from all levels seek him out for advice on how to run programs that are competitive, yet fun. Carl’s answer is always the same – work them hard, teach them correctly, but more importantly, have fun. Carl has touched the lives of thousands of young people throughout the Foster/Glocester communities and beyond. Whether on the courts and fields or through the community’s recreation programs, Carl has made a positive impact on so many, and that impact has lasted a lifetime.
This past February, Ponaganset High School honored Carl for his more than 40 years of service to the community. He was given many awards that night, including proclamations from the State Senate, State House of Representatives and the Governor’s Office. Carl has received many other distinguished awards over the years for his dedication and service, including the Jack Ferns Award, the Thomas Gledhill Award and the Bill Kutenski Award. Carl continues to reside in Glocester with his wife of more than 55 years, Jeanie. Carl and Jeanie have three children, C. Thomas Buckley, now deceased, Elizabeth and Jane. They also have nine grandchildren and one great grandchild. Carl and Jeanie continue their son’s legacy with an annual scholarship that is awarded to a graduating girls’ basketball player at Ponaganset High School.