Fighting Falcon Community Mourns the Loss of Legendary Coach Deacon Duvall

The Fairmont State University community has learned that its legendary football coach, Harold S. “Deacon” Duvall passed away late in the night on Thursday, Oct. 16. Information on arrangements can be found in the Saturday, Oct. 18, edition of The Times West Virginian by clicking here.

“Like our entire Fighting Falcon family, I am saddened to hear that our beloved Coach Deacon Duvall, a true legend who mentored and inspired generations, has passed away. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time. We are so thankful that we had the opportunity to recognize his contribution to the history of athletics at Fairmont State University by dedicating a statue created in his image at the first home football game in September. That statue at Duvall-Rosier Field, made possible by the efforts of Duvall’s former players, will serve as a continual reminder of his legacy to future generations of students and Fighting Falcon fans,” said FSU President Maria Rose.

A 1939 graduate of Fairmont State, Duvall was the head football coach at Fairmont State from 1952 to 1971 and compiled a record of 125-42-3 on the FSU sideline. Coach Duvall had the highest winning-percentage of any coach in West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC) history (73.5 percent).

Duvall also led Fairmont State to the 1967 NAIA National Championship and two national playoff appearances. Fairmont State was the first team in the state of West Virginia to win a National Championship in football and no other WVIAC school won a National Championship in football before the league split in 2013. In addition, Duvall led the Falcons to 15 winning seasons, eight WVIAC Championships and four undefeated seasons during his career.

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